This partnership is part of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging’s ambitious one billion dollar investment in the North American EV charging infrastructure.
A key aspect of this investment is the localization of its supply chain, with the HYC 400 being manufactured in the US state of Wisconsin.
The first HYC 400 is scheduled to be installed in the third quarter of 2024, with both Combined Charging System (CCS) and North American Charging Standard (NACS) cables expected to be available across the network later this year.
In January 2023, the German manufacturer announced its plans to establish a global network of fast-chargers in North America, Europe, China, and other key markets, with a target of installing over 10,000 ultra-rapid chargers worldwide by the end of the decade.
While the agreement with Alpitronic is currently limited to North America, Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging has also partnered with energy provider MN8 Energy and Chargepoint to deliver additional charging hardware and software.
Andrew Cornelia, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging, emphasized the importance of enhancing the customer experience at charging stations to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles.
He stated: “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.”
Mike Doucleff, CEO of Alpitronic Americas, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the shared commitment to quality, reliability, and design between the two companies.
He noted: “Mercedes sets the standard for luxury and performance, while Alpitronic provides top-tier, elegantly designed EV charging solutions.”
The German company is also part of a consortium of seven carmakers, including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis, that have joined forces to build a fast-charging network with at least 30,000 charging points in North America.
The consortium, named Ionna, recently announced that it will be headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, signaling a significant step towards a more robust electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the region.
