Mercedes-Benz has announced an ambitious $1 billion investment to significantly expand its high-power electric vehicle (EV) charging network across North America, aiming to deploy over 2,500 charging points at a minimum of 400 stations by 2027. This strategic move underscores the automaker's commitment to enhancing the premium EV ownership experience and accelerating the transition to electric mobility.

The initiative forms part of Mercedes-Benz's broader global commitment to establish 10,000 charging points within the next decade. Currently operating approximately 400 charging plugs across 14 U.S. states, the company plans a substantial increase in Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging sites this summer, with each location featuring between four and over 20 plugs, averaging ten.

Central to this expansion is a technological innovation co-developed with Alpitronic, an Italian charging hub company. These new stations will utilize direct cooling technology, similar to that found in high-performance vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. This advanced thermal management allows battery cells and power lines to maintain optimal temperatures during the high-heat-producing charging process, enabling energy flow at rates exceeding 850 kilowatts over a wide charging curve. All power will be delivered via a CCS (Combined Charging System) connector cable, leveraging the high-speed capability of the new AMG 800-volt electric vehicle architecture.

"Just like AMG defines performance on the road, we define the charging performance," stated Michael Springmann, head of high-power charging in Europe for Mercedes-Benz Mobility. Andrew Cornelia, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging North America, added, "Drivers are hungry for fast charging in amenity rich locations that fit their lifestyle." Michael Schiebe, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-AMG, emphasized the importance of seamless charging, noting, "No one wants to fly on the Autobahn and then fail at the charger."

While powerful, these stations will initially offer speeds below BYD's recently introduced 1,000-kilowatt chargers in China. The first production version of the new Alpitronic station is slated for installation in 2026, building on existing collaborations where Alpitronic has already supplied half-power stations to Mercedes-Benz locations.

Further solidifying its network, Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging North America recently partnered with Federal Realty Investment Trust. This agreement designates Mercedes-Benz as the preferred charging provider for Federal Realty's national retail portfolio, with plans to install over 500 400-kilowatt/800-volt charging stalls. Crucially, these new stalls will be compatible with both CCS and NACS (North American Charging Standard) equipped vehicles from any brand, addressing industry-wide connector debates. The first of these dual-compatible locations is expected to go live in 2026, with an initial rollout at 20 sites including prominent retail centers in Phoenix, AZ; Broomall, PA; and Pembroke Pines, FL.