Fast Charging: Mercedes’ First Stations Arrive in France by the End of 2023

Aiming to deploy a network of fast charging stations worldwide, Mercedes-Benz will start with Europe, including France, by the end of the year.

Jealous of Tesla? Mercedes-Benz wants to beat the American brand at its own game. First, it started with its electric cars. After a mixed success with the EQC, the manufacturer rolled out its fleet with the family SUVs EQA and EQB, the luxury sedans EQS and EQE, as well as their SUV counterparts. The second phase involves deploying charging stations bearing its name, similar to Tesla’s Superchargers.

The United States, but also Europe from 2023

At CES in January 2023, Mercedes-Benz announced its network of stations, focusing on fast charging. However, the timeline and the number of stations in Europe were still unknown. Because the priority for the brand was the United States, with a plan for 2,500 charging points and 400 stations, the first 20 of which will operate starting fall 2023.

On the Old Continent, the first Mercedes-Benz fast charging stations will also arrive at the end of 2023. This was confirmed by the CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility to the DPA agency on Handelsblatt. “Charging infrastructure still has a lot of potential”, said the German executive. “We certainly won’t be able to cover everything with our fast-charging stations.”

He specifies that nearly 2,000 stations will be in Europe. That’s about the same number as Ionity, a network led by a consortium of brands including Mercedes. Overall, including North America, Europe, and China, the star manufacturer aims to reach 10,000 fast charging stations by 2030. A modest figure compared to Tesla, which already operates 40,000 Superchargers globally. However, the difference is that Mercedes stations are open to all, whereas Tesla primarily serves its own vehicles (though it is slowly opening its network).

What power for Mercedes-Benz fast charging stations?

When discussing fast charging, it has several meanings. It might even be called ultra-fast charging for these Mercedes-Benz stations, since the stations deliver a power of up to 350 kW. This allows an electric car to charge from 10 to 80% in 15 minutes with a large battery. In theory only, as no vehicle can yet reach that figure.

Like the Electra stations, it will be possible to reserve a spot in advance to guarantee charging without waiting. Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced pricing per kWh, but is expected to offer a tariff advantage to brand owners.

Also read: Fast charging stations boost the network in January 2023