Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone with its North American fast-charging network, now operating 100 locations with close to 1,000 individual charging ports spread across 28 US states and British Columbia. The expansion, which began in November 2023, has facilitated more than 550,000 charging sessions for approximately 245,000 drivers. This achievement arrives just days after the carmaker transferred ownership of its 47 European charging facilities to Electra, a French charging operator.
North American expansion and performance metrics
All stations in the Mercedes network deliver up to 400 kW of power and feature compatibility with both the established CCS connector and Tesla's NACS standard, which has become the norm for newly manufactured electric vehicles. Mercedes highlights the reliability of its infrastructure, emphasizing that chargers experience minimal downtime. The company has shifted its focus toward measuring first-attempt session success rates, which improved from approximately 84% in 2023 to surpassing 90%.
Pricing across the network ranges from $0.35 to $0.60 per kilowatt-hour, with stations typically positioned near premium retail destinations. The Orlando, Florida location represents the network's largest installation, featuring 20 charging stalls.
European strategy and broader market context
Mercedes determined that operating charging infrastructure fell outside its primary business focus, prompting the decision to sell its European charging hubs to Electra. The company has indicated that its North American network will remain operational "for the time being." Beyond its standalone charging venture, Mercedes participates as one of eight automakers in IONNA, a separate US-based charging network that has expanded to more than 180 locations.
The broader US fast-charging landscape now encompasses more than 80,000 ports. However, electric vehicle sales in the country have declined, currently running approximately 40% below the previous year's figures.
Source: The Next Web
