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Ola Källenius: Elevating EV Experience with Desirable Cars and Reliable Charging Solutions
On July 7th, Mercedes-Benz made an official announcement stating that it will incorporate the North American Charging Standard (NACS) into its electric vehicle lineup in North America, beginning in 2025.
According to the company, this decision makes them the first German original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to commit to implementing the NACS charging inlet in their upcoming electric vehicles. In a previous report in June, we mentioned that Mercedes-Benz was contemplating a transition to NACS, but it was not confirmed at that time.
Before the switch occurs, Mercedes-Benz plans to provide NACS to Combined Charging System (CCS1) adapters by 2024. This move will enable Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle owners to access over 12,000 Tesla Supercharging stations across North America.
Remarkably, Mercedes-Benz remains committed to its ambitious plan of establishing its own High-Power Charging Network.
The objective is to introduce over 2,000 Charging Hubs, comprising more than 10,000 individual charging stalls, across North America, Europe, China, and other key markets by the end of the decade. Among these, approximately 400 Charging Hubs (equating to over 2,500 chargers) will be installed in North America.
The initial Charging Hubs in North America are scheduled to be operational before the conclusion of 2023, specifically in the fourth quarter. Importantly, these stations will be equipped with both CCS1 and NACS plugs, catering to a wider range of electric vehicles.
Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has announced that its proprietary fast charging network will be accessible to electric vehicles of all brands, promoting inclusivity and convenience.
Provided the concept image is accurate, Mercedes-Benz’s charging stations are depicted as featuring a convenient pull-through layout, along with a roof structure, possibly complemented by additional infrastructure.
According to Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management Mercedes-Benz Group AG, the company has a clear strategic priority: to create the most desirable cars in the world. As part of this goal, Mercedes-Benz is fully dedicated to enhancing the entire electric vehicle (EV) experience for its customers. This includes providing fast, convenient, and dependable charging solutions wherever their Mercedes-Benz vehicle takes them.
To achieve this, the company is fully committed to establishing its global Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network, with the first charging sites set to open this year. Concurrently, Mercedes-Benz is also implementing the North American Charging Standard (NACS) in its vehicles, ensuring that drivers have access to an extensive network of high-quality charging options throughout North America.
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