This is how Mercedes-Benz wants to offer customers a ‘high-quality charging experience’

Our own charging infrastructure, in addition to the rapidly growing existing range. Is that needed?

“We are not blind to the problems that occur here and there during charging, such as waiting times, defective poles and too little power. That is why our next step is to expand our own network, worldwide. We have two thousand locations in mind in America, Europe and China. In America we do this in collaboration with Chargepoint, a major player in the American market. We have been working with them for years and we are a shareholder; we know each other. Another partner is MN8, a Goldman Sachs spin-off. That company is in the middle of green energy with more than eight hundred projects in the US with which it provides consumers with energy and infrastructure. With those two, we are investing a billion dollars in setting up more than four hundred locations with a total of 2,500 charging points. We will start this year and it should be ready in 2027. When choosing the location, we take into account our dealers’ knowledge of where most customers are located.

Besides the fact that they must be favorable locations, we take into account aspects such as safety, camera surveillance and enough light. Where possible, the charging points will also be covered. We are also keen on them being close to eateries and restroom facilities, making charging a premium and hassle-free experience. That is what Mercedes stands for: large range, very efficient, luxurious, combined with a high-quality charging experience.”

Will it be Mercedes only, or will you welcome other brands just like Tesla?

“It is a Mercedes network that is open to everyone, but our customers will soon enjoy preferential treatment. Our cars are connected to our charging points and when you are on the road, the car calculates the ideal charging breaks and makes suggestions. When you accept it, the car reserves a time and charging point for you and, if you are delayed, it will also update that reservation. But because we want to encourage electric driving in general, other brands are welcome. Moreover, it is a huge investment and to earn it back you need a certain occupancy rate. If a charging point has been reserved, something only Mercedes drivers can do, the Mercedes takes precedence. I cannot yet specify whether the price per kWh for Mercedes customers will also be different from that for foreign brand drivers. But there will in any case be preferential price packages.”

Mercedes-Benz fast charging station of the future.

What kind of chargers do you have in store?

“They will only be fast chargers with 350 kW and the possibility to increase them even further, if the location allows (the external infrastructure, ed.). With regard to our cars, we are definitely going for more than 200 kW, so the network must be able to deliver that. Every charging station receives green energy, so we have to look for suppliers in those regions. We will start with it in North America, but it will be Europe’s turn for the first locations this year and preparations are also underway in China.”