Mercedes to deploy Alpitronic fast-chargers in the US

Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging and Alpitronic have signed an agreement for the planned North American fast-charging network. The former will thus become the first DC network in the US to use Alpitronic's HYC 400.

The deal is part of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging one billion dollar investment in the North American EV charging network. The goal is to “localise its supply chain,” as the Hypercharger 400 (HYC 400) is built in the US state of Wisconsin. According to Mercedes, the first HYC 400 will be installed in Q3/2024, and “both CCS and NACS cables will be available across the network later this year.”

In January 2023, the carmaker announced that it wanted to set up a network of fast-chargers in North America, Europe, China, and other key markets. The goal is to install over 10,000 ultra-rapid chargers worldwide by the end of this decade. However, the deal with Alpitronic now signed is just for North America. It also partners with energy provider MN8 Energy and Chargepoint, which will also deliver charging hardware and software such as ChargePoint Express Plus.

“To unlock this next era of charging, we must bridge the gap in quality and that starts with the customer’s experience at the charger. As we continue to scale Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging, we are investing in both this critical infrastructure and the workforce behind its success,” said Andrew Cornelia, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging. “We’re proud to partner with Alpitronic who has not only designed a best-in-class product with some of the fastest charging speeds available, but is a company equally committed to investing in America’s clean energy workforce.”

“Our partnership with Mercedes is a natural fit, as both our companies are synonymous with quality, reliability, and design. Mercedes sets the standard for luxury and performance, while Alpitronic provides top-tier, elegantly designed EV charging solutions,” said Mike Doucleff, CEO of Alpitronic Americas. “Following our successful partnership in Europe, we are excited to expand together into the American market, bringing a similar customer experience to the US.”

Mercedes-Benz is also part of a consortium of seven carmakers that joined forces to build a fast-charging network with at least 30,000 charging points in North America. The other partners are BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis. The consortium named Ionna just announced that it will be based in Durham, North Carolina.

Source: Information per mail