German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz India on Friday announced the expansion of its electric vehicle charging network to customers of other brands as it looks to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. The carmaker also launched the high-end electric SUV EQE 500 4MATIC at an introductory price of Rs 1.39 crore (all India ex-showroom) and a new ‘Customer Experience Centre’ at Chakan, Pune.
Mercedes-Benz is also supporting the EV (Electric Vehicle) transition in India by democratizing the ultra-fast charging network. All EV customers in India, irrespective of their brands, can now enjoy the luxurious Mercedes-Benz experience while using the company’s charging network, said Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz India (MBI ).
The company said it has the largest charging network in the luxury car sector, with 140 chargers at various points. Of these, 40 chargers are in the 180 kilowatt and 60 kilowatt area, which means fast chargers.
“…we will expand this entire charging facility not just for Mercedes customers but for all brands, luxury and mass, so that they can charge their cars faster on our fast charging network,” Iyer said. said.
This move will help further accelerate 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), through which EV customers can get access to another 150 superchargers, Iyer said.
The app can be downloaded by any customer – Mercedes or non-Mercedes – and provides access to a fast charging network across India and can help with their daily commute or their interested commute, Iyer added.
Speaking at the launch, he said: “We are strengthening our BEV portfolio by launching the EQE 500 4MATIC SUV. This is a significant addition to our BEV portfolio and offers industry-leading luxury equipment, technology and connectivity, among others.” The EQE 500 4MATIC SUV comes with a best-in-segment 10-year battery warranty and a once-in-two-year service interval, the company said.
The country’s unique Customer Experience Center will serve a diverse purpose ranging from curated private consultation and personalized car deliveries to hosting corporate events of top customers, he said.
