Mercedes’ Charging Stations will Now serve Other Brands’ EVs

In an effort to hasten the adoption of electric vehicles in the nation, German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz India announced on Friday that its network of charging stations will now serve users of other brands. The automaker also unveiled a brand-new “Customer Experience Center” at Chakan, in Pune, and the top-of-the-line EQE 500 4MATIC electric SUV, both of which have starting prices of Rs 1.39 crore (all India ex-showroom).

Mercedes-Benz is democratizing the ultra-fast charging network in India in order to support the EV (Electric Vehicle) transition there. According to Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz India (MBI), all EV customers in India, regardless of brand, can now take advantage of the opulent Mercedes-Benz experience while using the company’s charging network.

The company said it has the largest charging network within the luxury car space with 140 chargers at different points. Of these, 40 chargers are in the 180 kilowatts and the 60 kilowatt area, which means fast chargers, said. “…we will be extending this entire charging facility, not only for Mercedes customers but for all brands, luxury and mass, so that they can come in and charge their cars at a faster pace at our fast charging network,” Iyer said.

The move will help in further accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in India, he added. Moreover, MBI has also developed an app along with Bengaluru-based Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), which enables EV customers to get access to an additional 150 superchargers, Iyer said. The app can be downloaded by any customer — of Mercedes or non-Mercedes — and it gives access to a fast charging network across India and can help in day-to-day commute or their interested commute, Iyer added.

On the launch, he said, “We are strengthening our BEV portfolio by launching the EQE 500 4MATIC SUV. This is an important addition to our BEV portfolio offering segment-leading luxury appointments, technology and connectivity, among others.” The EQE 500 4MATIC SUV comes with a segment-best, 10-year battery warranty, and a service interval of once in two years, the company said. The one-of-its-kind Customer Experience Centre in the country will serve a diverse purpose, spanning from curated private consultation, and personalized deliveries of cars to hosting top-end customers’ own corporate events, he said.