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Mercedes To Challenge Tesla's Supercharger Network - The Autopian
Hello, fellow Autopians! Your hardworking (I mean, kinda) Editor-at-Large here, back from CES, where I didn’t even get COVID-19 again. I think. So far, so good. I was unexpectedly named CEO of a blockchain-powered flying car startup, so that’s fun. We’ve already been accused of wire fraud and...

a fun quote:Now, one of Tesla’s direct competitors, Mercedes-Benz, is doing exactly that. At CES yesterday, the German automaker—in the middle of a big EV pivot of its own—announced it will build its own network of high-speed public EV chargers. Here’s what the automaker had to say:
But is it only for cars from the Silver Arrow brand? Not so; but here’s a good compromise: “The network will be open to all electric vehicle brands, but Mercedes-Benz customers will enjoy special benefits, such as the ability to reserve a charging spot.”The North American network is scheduled for completion by 2027, by which time a total of more than 400 hubs with more than 2,500 high-power chargers will cover the continent. Spaced conveniently at regular intervals close to motorways, major intersections and metropolitan areas, the hubs will offer a premium, sustainable and reliable charging experience.
[…] Depending on region and location, the hubs offer four to 12 – and ultimately as many as 30 – high-power chargers (HPC) with up to 350 kW charging power. Intelligent charge-load management allows each vehicle to charge at its maximum capacity, keeping waiting times to an absolute minimum.
Generally, the EV charging experience can be ranked thusly:
- Tesla Supercharger
- Just driving a fucking gasoline car
- Electrify America
- EVGO
- Calling an Uber
- Taking the bus
- Getting hit by a bus
- ChargePoint