Mercedes has announced the rollout of a 600kW network of charging stations from 2026
Next year, Mercedes-Benz will begin installing the new Alpitronic HYC1000 charging stations at key locations on its network in the US and Europe. They will be able to deliver up to 600 kW per electric vehicle at a voltage of 800 V.
Here's What We Know
According to the company, this power allows, for example, the CLA model to add up to 325 kilometres of range in just ten minutes.
Unlike traditional fast charging stations, where the power system is built into the charging column, the HYC1000 has a modular, decentralised architecture. It potentially provides up to 1,000 kW of power at 800 A current, intelligently distributing it between multiple charging points thanks to intelligent load management.
So far, there are no mass-produced electric cars capable of charging at this speed, so the system is designed with the future in mind. Until suitable electric vehicle models become available, the HYC1000 will effectively share power between multiple vehicles simultaneously.
In North America, stations will receive CCS and NACS standard connectors. Mercedes charging hubs are open to all electric vehicles, but Mercedes owners receive bonuses - such as automatic charging point reservation.
To date, around 80 Mercedes branded hubs have been launched in Austria, China, Germany, Japan and the USA. Within a year, the network will expand to eight more countries, and by the end of the decade, the company plans to roll out more than 10,000 fast charging points worldwide.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
