Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it’s on track with plans to launch its first ultra-rapid charging stations this autumn, open to drivers of all brands and supporting work to expand its global charging infrastructure.

Mercedes-Benz plans to expand its global fast charging network to over 2,000 fast charging points by the end of 2024

The first charging hubs will go into operation in Atlanta (USA), Chengdu (China) and Mannheim (Germany) in the fourth quarter of 2023, supporting speeds of up to 400kW initially.

The network will then expand to more than 2,000 ultra-rapid charging points by the end of 2024, located in core markets. It’s then planning to have more than 2,000 charging hubs with over 10,000 charging points by the end of the decade.

The charging stations will comply with the respective standard charging systems CCS1, CCS2, NACS and GB/T for the designated regions and will use intelligent charging management to mean that each vehicle can be charged at its maximum power rating.

The charging stations will be located at areas of high traffic and selected Mercedes-Benz dealerships, and will provide other amenities, such as refreshments, snacks and restroom facilities.

Mercedes is also looking to equip the charging stations with surveillance cameras to support driver safety while selected locations will use intelligent light poles, providing lighting but also functional LED elements that give information on the availability of the charging point and the charging status of the vehicle. Selected charging hubs will come with canopies to offer protection against weather while some will also feature solar panels to generate electricity for the hubs.

The new hubs will be integrated into the existing Mercedes-Benz charging network, which has more than 1.3 million charging points worldwide. While the charging network is open to drivers of all brands. Mercedes-Benz customers get special benefits, for example the ability to reserve a charging point via the Mercedes-Benz me Charge service to reduce waiting times. Mercedes-Benz customers can also use Plug & Charge to automate the charging and payment process as soon as the charging cable is plugged in.

Franz Reiner, CEO at Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, said: “With the Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network, we are expanding global charging options and setting new standards in electric vehicle charging. We want to encourage our customers to switch to zero-emission vehicles and thus make a positive contribution to protecting our environment.”

The new high-power network extends the brand’s global charging opportunities; it remains involved with the Ionity European fast charging network and the recently announced joint venture, signed with six other OEMs including Stellantis and BMW Group to further expand the North American charging infrastructure.