Mercedes-Benz said on Monday it will expand its global fast-charging network from 2026 with a new generation of high-power charging infrastructure developed with Alpitronic, the European market leader in high-power charging. The partnership will see the HYC1000 system installed at new Mercedes-Benz charging parks in Europe and North America.
The new technology introduces a modular, decentralized design with external power units delivering up to 1,000 kW at 800 amps. Smart load management will distribute power across multiple charging points, enabling flexibility and scalability for operators. A single point can provide up to 600 kW at 800 volts, with Mercedes-Benz saying this allows a CLA model to gain up to 325 kilometers of range in 10 minutes.
“With the integration of the HYC1000 and the development of an extremely powerful fast charger, we’re setting new standards for public charging. Together with Alpitronic, we’re creating a charging experience that is not only extremely fast but also seamlessly integrated into our premium ecosystem,” said Franz Reiner, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG.
Philipp Senoner, CEO of Alpitronic, said the company sees high charging speeds as essential for unlocking the full benefits of electric vehicles, adding the partnership aims to make ultra-fast charging “truly effortless in everyday life.”
Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will remain open to all vehicle brands, though company customers will gain benefits through the MB.CHARGE Public service and integration with the MB.OS operating system, which allows for automatic route planning and charging reservations.
The automaker’s fast-charging network currently operates around 80 hubs across Germany, Austria, Japan, the United States and China, with expansion planned to eight additional countries within a year. Mercedes-Benz aims to reach more than 10,000 fast-charging points globally by the end of the decade, alongside its participation in joint ventures including IONITY in Europe, IONNA in North America and IONCHI in China.