While Mercedes has expanded its EQ sub-brand to include an array of sedans and SUVs, including the EQS Sedan, EQE SUV, and forthcoming EQG off-roader, the Mercedes-branded charging network will not follow Tesla’s lead in making the network brand-exclusive. Instead, it will be open to all EV users. However, Mercedes-EQ owners will experience the best the stations have to offer, with preferential access and reservation functionality, likely via the Mercedes me app.
In the US, Mercedes will partner with ChargePoint – a company Mercedes is a shareholder in already – and MN8 Energy, one of America’s largest solar energy and battery storage operators. The goal is to have 400 stations by 2027 with more than 2,500 individual chargers. Depending on their location and the amount of traffic they experience, these charging hubs will typically have between four and 12 chargers, but as many as 30 may be installed in high-traffic locales. Each of these will be classified as high-power chargers, or HPCs, with charge rates of up to 350 kW.