Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging (HPC) has entered into a national partnership with Federal Realty Investment Trust, naming it the preferred electric vehicle (EV) charging provider for the real estate firm’s portfolio of shopping centers across the United States. The agreement marks a significant expansion of Mercedes-Benz’s premium charging network, with plans to install up to 500 charging stalls at various retail sites using 400 kW-capable chargers.
Under the agreement, Mercedes-Benz HPC will deploy its ultra-fast HYC400 chargers—developed by Alpitronic and capable of delivering up to 400 kW—with both CCS-1 and NACS connectors. Each location will feature as many as ten charging stalls, accessible to all EV brands, not just Mercedes-Benz customers. The rollout will begin with 20 locations at Federal Realty’s open-air retail properties in several states, including Phoenix, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Operational deployment is expected to start in 2026.
Mercedes-Benz highlights the scale and structure of the agreement, noting that it enables a portfolio-based rollout strategy rather than site-by-site negotiations. This model is designed to streamline deployment while facilitating scalable EV infrastructure growth across the country. The initiative is aligned with the company’s goal to support the wider adoption of emission-free mobility while enhancing the customer experience.
At present, Mercedes-Benz HPC operates over 400 charging stalls in 14 US states, with more than 2,000 additional stalls in development. The company has already committed $1 billion to its North American charging ambitions, aiming to complete 2,500 high-power stalls by 2027. All of the electricity powering the stations will be sourced from renewable energy.
The retail-based strategy reflects growing consumer expectations that EV charging should integrate seamlessly with daily routines, particularly at familiar and frequented destinations such as shopping centers. By aligning with Federal Realty’s high-traffic locations, Mercedes-Benz seeks to position its network as both fast and convenient, reinforcing the brand’s premium identity while catering to a broader EV audience.
In addition to its independent efforts, Mercedes-Benz is also a member of the Ionna joint venture—a collaboration with eight global automakers to develop a nationwide fast-charging network. The group opened its first site in North Carolina in early 2025 and targets more than 1,000 charging points by year-end. The project’s headquarters are located in Durham, with key leadership appointments announced in June.
