Mercedes-Benz announces global charging network plans, tech updates at CES 2023

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz is presenting “Tech to Desire” at Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2023) in Las Vegas, USA with a number of innovations that will help improve the lives of its customers.

Mercedes-Benz revealed plans to start a global high-power charging network. As part of a collaboration with MN8 Energy and ChargePoint, the rollout will begin this year in North America. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a number of further developments and partnerships that will help save time, simplify daily tasks, and excite customers inside the car and beyond.

Mercedes-Benz Chief Technology Officer Markus Schafer discussed plans for a Mercedes-Benz branded high-power charging network that would begin operating this year in North America during the Mercedes-Benz tech talks at CES 2023. The charging network will also be launched in Europe, China, and other major markets soon. By the time the North American network is completed in 2027, the continent will be served by more than 2,500 high-power chargers placed across more than 400 hubs. The hubs will provide a top-notch, sustainable, and dependable charging experience. They will be conveniently spaced at regular intervals close to highways, major intersections, and urban areas.

Mercedes-Benz charging hub locations and their surroundings will be carefully chosen with wider customer needs in mind.  Facilities will have security features like cameras and other precautions to provide a safe environment for charging at all times. Some charging stations are covered for protection from the weather. The hubs provide four to 12 high-power chargers (HPC) with up to 350kW charging power, and eventually as many as 30 HPC, depending on the region and location. Waiting periods are kept to an absolute minimum, thanks to intelligent charge-load management, which enables each vehicle to charge at its maximum capacity.

Mercedes-Benz gives its customers the option to charge sustainably at its own charging network, in keeping with its “Ambition 2039” business strategy. The best way to do this is to use green electricity supply contracts or certificates for renewable energy from a reputable supplier. Additionally, photovoltaic systems will be installed on all Mercedes-Benz charging stations that can support a roof to generate electricity for things like lighting and video surveillance.

“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,” Schafer stated.

MN8 Energy is one of the biggest owners and operators of solar energy and battery storage in the US. The alliance with MN8 Energy helps Mercedes-Benz achieve its goal of providing its customers with the greatest possible access to green charging throughout the US. ChargePoint has built one of the world's top electric vehicle charging networks in the US and Europe, and the network has so far powered nearly five billion electric miles. MN8 Energy  already provides the Mercedes-Benz backend for Mercedes me Charge in the US. The Mercedes-Benz high-power charging network will have grown by the end of the decade, adding more than 10,000 high-power chargers to its current charging offers.

The Vision EQXX research vehicle is also making appearances on the streets of Las Vegas throughout the show days. Last year, the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever demonstrated its capabilities by making multiple trips of more than 1,200 kilometers on a single battery charge. The Vision EQXX was also made available for demonstration drives to the media along the Las Vegas Strip and in other areas of the city during the first days of CES. It gained attention last year with an average energy consumption of 8.3 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers on a drive from Stuttgart, Germany to Silverstone, UK. Those who stopped by the Mercedes-Benz booth can also see a life-size model.

It was also revealed that SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving will soon be available to Mercedes-Benz customers in California and Nevada. Mercedes-Benz offered such a system as an option ex-works for vehicles from series production to customers in Germany in May 2022, making it the company's first internationally recognized certification for conditionally automated driving. Drive Pilot can offer to take over the driving, initially up to the legal limit of 60kph, on suitable motorway segments with heavy traffic. Customers are given their time back, allowing them to concentrate on secondary activities like browsing the web, watching a movie, or communicating with coworkers via In-Car Office.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

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