Mercedes-Benz is to launch a branded high-power charging network globally, open to drivers of all electric vehicle brands and offering more than 10,000 chargers by the end of the decade.

The network will offer more than 10,000 high-power chargers by the end of the decade

The network, revealed at CES 2023 in Las Vegas, will start rollout in North America this year in partnership with MN8 Energy and ChargePoint. It will then expand to Europe, China and other main markets.

The North American network is scheduled for completion by 2027, delivering a total of more more than 2,500 high-power chargers at over 400 hubs. These will be spaced conveniently at regular intervals – close to motorways, major intersections and metropolitan areas – and will focus on a premium, sustainable and reliable charging experience.

Depending on region and location, the hubs will offer four to 12 – and ultimately as many as 30 – chargers with up to 350kW charging power, using intelligent charge-load management to enable each vehicle to charge at its maximum capacity.

Facilities will also include food outlets and restrooms, while surveillance cameras and other measures will provide a safe and secure charging environment at all times. Selected charging points will also get roof cover, enabling photovoltaic systems to provide electricity for lighting, video surveillance.

The network will be open to all electric vehicle brands, but Mercedes-Benz customers will enjoy special benefits, such as the ability to reserve a charging spot.

Mercedes currently offers its Mercedes me Charge network; one of the largest in Europe with nearly half a million charge points and offering the chance to use renewable energy. The new 10,000-strong high-power charger network will be in addition to this.

Speaking at CES, Markus Schäfer, chief technology officer, said: “At Mercedes-Benz, we’re fully committed to making the charging of battery electric-vehicles easier and more accessible. By selecting MN8 Energy and ChargePoint as our partners in North America – two of the leaders in their respective fields – we’ll be able to continue to drive the transformation towards an electric future, which is one of the main pillars of our holistic, sustainable corporate strategy.”

Mercedes has also unveiled a life-size model of its Vision EQXX concept at CES. The research car – the most efficient Mercedes ever built – was put to the test last year and travelled 745 miles (1,200km) on a single battery charge on multiple drives.

At CES, the brand also announced its new Automatic Lane Change (ALC) feature, which will come to the North American market this year. It enables the car to automatically change lanes and overtake slower vehicles with the cruise control engaged, building further on the current Level 2 partially automated driving feature.

Customers will also soon be able to benefit from Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the US states of California and Nevada. Already available in Germany, the Drive Pilot tech works on suitable motorway sections, taking over in congested traffic and driving up to the legally permitted speed of 60km/h (37mph).

Other CES news includes a partnership with Apple Music and Universal Music Group (UMG) to deliver the “ultimate in-car sound experience” with Dolby Atmos, plus a partnership with with digital entertainment platform Zync to bring optimised in-car digital entertainment to Mercedes-Benz vehicles in North America.