The move to electric vehicles is clearly on, with major brand Mercedes-Benz announcing a Tesla-like fast-charging network across America, Europe, China and ‘other key markets’. It is not yet confirmed if Australia is a market they consider key at this stage, but let’s hope so.
Mercedes-Benz plans to build out a charging network are ambitious but have indicated that ambition will only be 10,000 high-powered chargers worldwide by 2030. Given Tesla already has more than 40,000 Superchargers in 2023, that figure does seem low, however, Mercedes play at the top-end of the market in lower numbers, so this makes sense if they are exclusively for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz also plans on installing solar on top of charging locations to leverage the power of the sun to reduce the cost of power to charge their EVs.
The Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will be located in key cities and urban population centres, close to major arteries, and convenient retail and service destinations, including Mercedes-Benz dealership sites.
To build a network of chargers, and around 2,500 charging plugs at 400 sites, Mercedes is expected to spend around $1 Billion dollars.
Thankfully Australia has a growing 3rd-party charging network, however, any OEM investment would certainly be appreciated.
