German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz India made a significant move on Friday, extending its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to customers of all brands in a bid to drive faster EV adoption in the country. The company also introduced the high-end EQE 500 4MATIC electric SUV, available at an attractive introductory price of Rs 1.39 crore (all India ex-showroom), and inaugurated a new ‘Customer Experience Centre’ located in Chakan, Pune.
Mercedes-Benz is actively promoting the transition to EVs in India by making its ultra-fast charging network accessible to all EV owners, regardless of their vehicle’s brand. Santosh Iyer, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz India (MBI), expressed, “All EV customers in India, irrespective of their chosen brand, can now enjoy the luxurious Mercedes-Benz experience while utilizing our charging infrastructure.”
Notably, Mercedes-Benz boasts the most extensive charging network in the luxury car segment, featuring 140 chargers distributed at various locations. Among these, 40 chargers are high-capacity, providing either 180 kilowatts or 60 kilowatts of power, ensuring fast charging capabilities.
Iyer emphasized, “…we will be extending this entire charging facility, not only for Mercedes customers but for all brands, luxury, and mass, so that they can come in and charge their cars at a faster pace at our fast charging network.” This inclusive approach is expected to significantly accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India.
Additionally, MBI collaborated with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) to develop a dedicated app. This app grants EV owners access to an additional 150 superchargers, enhancing the convenience of charging.
Regarding the launch of the EQE 500 4MATIC SUV, Iyer stated, “We are strengthening our BEV portfolio by launching the EQE 500 4MATIC SUV. This is an important addition to our BEV portfolio, offering segment-leading luxury features, technology, and connectivity, among other advantages.” The EQE 500 4MATIC SUV comes with an impressive 10-year battery warranty and a service interval of once every two years.
Furthermore, the newly inaugurated Customer Experience Centre in the country serves a versatile range of purposes. It encompasses curated private consultations, personalized car deliveries, and the hosting of corporate events for top-end customers.