German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India on Friday announced the expansion of its electric vehicle charging network to customers of other brands in a bid to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. The carmaker also launched the high-end EQE 500 4MATIC electric SUV with an introductory price of Rs 139 crore (ex-showroom all India) and set up a new ‘Customer Experience Center’ at Chakan, Pune.
Mercedes-Benz is also supporting India’s EV (electric vehicle) transformation by democratizing ultra-fast charging networks. Mercedes-Benz India (MBI) Managing Director and CEO Santosh Iyer said all electric vehicle customers across brands in India can now use the company’s charging network Enjoy a luxurious Mercedes-Benz experience.
The company says it has the largest charging network in the luxury car segment, with 140 chargers at various locations. Among them, there are 40 chargers in the 180 kilowatt and 60 kilowatt areas, which means fast chargers.
“…we will be expanding the entire charging facility, not just for Mercedes customers but for all brands, luxury and Volkswagen, so that they can charge their cars at a much faster rate through our fast charging network ,” Iyer said.
The move will help further accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India, he added.
In addition, MBI has collaborated with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) in Bengaluru to develop an application to enable electric vehicle customers to use an additional 150 superchargers, Iyer said.
Iyer added that any Mercedes or non-Mercedes customer can download the app, which will provide access to fast charging networks across India and can help with daily commuting or commuting that interests them.
At the launch, he said: “We are strengthening our pure electric vehicle portfolio with the launch of the EQE 500 4MATIC SUV. This is an important addition to our pure electric vehicle portfolio, offering segment-leading luxury features, technology and connectivity performance, etc.” The company said that the EQE 500 4MATIC SUV has a segment-best 10-year battery warranty, as well as maintenance intervals every two years.
He said the customer experience center, which is unique in the country, will serve a variety of purposes, from curating private consultations and personalized car deliveries to hosting high-end customers’ own corporate events.
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