Mercedes fast-charging network: first HPC columns in Germany before the end of 2023

There is an update on the fast charging network that carmaker Mercedes-Benz wants to build worldwide.

Franz Reiner, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility, said that the first fast-charging pillars will also be set up in Germany and France this year. So far, the start had only been announced for the USA and Canada for 2023. Reiner did not give concrete figures for the number of locations in Germany. In the USA, he said, there are a good 20 charging parks that are to open this year.

Depending on the region and location, the charging stations will offer four to twelve and a maximum of up to 30 high-power chargers with up to 350 kW charging capacity, as the manufacturer announced at the beginning of January. Intelligent charging management should make it possible to charge each vehicle at its maximum power and reduce waiting times to an absolute minimum. The optimised architecture of the charging stations is to offer plenty of space around the vehicle and allows unhindered charging from both sides. Where possible, the charging points are to be roofed over and protected from the weather.

According to the manufacturer, the locations and surroundings of the Mercedes-Benz charging parks will be carefully selected to take into account the needs of the customers. The best possible charging experience will therefore also be ensured by nearby catering facilities and sanitary rooms. The stations will also be equipped with surveillance cameras and other measures to ensure a safe charging environment.

2000 HPC charging stations in Europe
The build-up is going very well, Reiner said. Of the 10,000 charging points planned worldwide, more than 2000 are to be built in the USA. According to Reiner, about the same number will be made in Europe. However, he did not specify how many of these would be in Germany. The remaining 6,000 charging points are to be built in China and other important markets.

"The charging infrastructure still has some potential," Reiner told the news agency DPA. He sees the Mercedes locations as a supplement to the overall infrastructure: "We will not be able to cover everything with our fast charging points," he explained. The goal already stated at the beginning of January is to build up the entire network by the end of the decade. Then Mercedes-Benz wants to be fully electric - wherever market conditions permit.

The Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging network is intended to significantly improve the charging experience for customers, accelerate the path to the all-electric future and create a global infrastructure asset with future value creation potential. The manufacturer's fast-charging hubs are to be located in key cities and metropolitan areas near major traffic arteries and convenient retail and service locations, including participating Mercedes-Benz dealerships.

The fast-charging network will primarily target Mercedes-Benz customers. They can look forward to preferential access through a reservation function and other benefits, the manufacturer announced. In principle, however, the Mercedes-Benz charging parks will also be open to all other vehicle brands with compatible technology. In addition to the ongoing support of collaborative networks such as Ionity, establishing the company's charging network also aims to drive the global spread of electromobility.