Mercedes-Benz EV charging parks in works
Mercedes-Benz is working with Alpitronic, a leading European charging system, to create charging parks in Europe and North America that it says will provide greater efficiency, optimal utilization, and maximum scalability.
The two companies plan to begin installing Alpitronic’s HYC1000 charging systems in 2026, a Mercedes press release says. It adds that unlike conventional fast-charging stations, where the power unit is built into the charging column and limited to one or two charging points, the new system introduces a modular, decentralized architecture.
“The external power unit provides up to 1,000 kW at 800 amps and intelligently distributes this power across multiple charging points through smart load management,” the release says. “This flexibility allows charging hubs to be tailored to specific site requirements – both in terms of total power through multiple power units and the number of charging points.”
A single charging point can deliver up to 600kW at 800 volts, the release says. This means shorter charging times for consumers, with the Mercedes-Benz CLA able to add up to 325 kilometers of range in about 10 minutes.
The two companies are also developing a dedicated high-performance fast charger, the release says.
“Insights from the recent benchmark of over 1 megawatt charging power achieved with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX are being incorporated directly into this development,” the release says. “This record was made possible via a single CCS cable supporting up to 1,000 amps.”
The release adds that for North America, charging will be supported via CCS and NACS cables to enable charging performances that “significantly exceed” today’s standards by making charging as fast as refueling.
Mercedes charging hubs are open to customers of all vehicle brands, the release says. However, Mercedes customers are privy to exclusive benefits via seamless connectivity of their vehicle, the MB.CHARGE Public charging service, it says. The service calculates the most convenient and time-efficient route, including charging stops.
Navigation with Electric Intelligence also automatically reserves a charging point at Mercedes charging hubs.
“With the integration of the HYC1000 and the development of an extremely powerful fast charger, we’re setting new standards for public charging,” said Franz Reiner, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, in the release. “Together with Alpitronic, we’re creating a charging experience that is not only extremely fast but also seamlessly integrated into our premium ecosystem. This makes electric mobility even more attractive to our customers.”
The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network has 80 charging hubs in operation, including 41 in the U.S. The OEM plans to have more than 10,000 fast-charging points worldwide by the end of the decade.
Owners of Mercedes electric vehicles also have access to 2.5 million charging points operated by more than 1,700 providers.
Mercedes-Benz EV production paused
The company joins other OEMs in pausing U.S. production of its EV models ahead of the expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit.
A U.S. Mercedes spokesperson previously confirmed with Motor1.com that EQE and EQS production would halt on Sept. 1.
General Motors is scaling back its EV production ahead of the Sept. 30 expiration of the tax credit.
According to Bloomberg, GM will start production of its Chevrolet Bolt EV in December with one shift at its plant in Kansas. Two shifts were originally planned for Bolt production.
Production will also be reduced at GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant to one shift from January through May, Bloomberg reports. The plant builds the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq EVs. It also builds ICE Cadillac SUVs.
IMAGE
Feature image provided by Mercedes-Benz.