"Mercedes-Benz Electric Cars, Fast Charging in Korea Too" Mercedes-Benz Chairman Emphasizes Infrastructure

Ola Kallenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Holds Meeting in Korea
Maybach Pure Electric Vehicle Also Debuts Domestically

German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz has decided to strengthen its electric vehicle infrastructure in South Korea. It also announced plans to increase cooperation with Korean companies related to electric vehicles. The company once again emphasized its commitment to steadily advancing its decarbonization strategy across its products and overall business.

Ola K?llenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group, announced the group’s electrification and sustainability strategy during a meeting with Korean media on the 24th. As chairman of the board at Mercedes-Benz headquarters, he is personally visiting key markets, including South Korea, to monitor trends. He also held discussions with major domestic partners such as SK and LG, with whom the company has collaborated previously.

Ola K?llenius, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Mercedes-Benz Group

He revealed plans to establish a high-power charging (HPC) network in South Korea for electric vehicle customers. This means taking a more proactive approach to building charging infrastructure, which is often cited as a barrier to electric vehicle adoption. Mercedes-Benz’s HPC network refers to high-power charging hubs located at Mercedes-Benz dealerships, convenience facilities, key cities adjacent to major roads, and densely populated areas. The company has previously announced plans to build over 400 charging hubs across North America by 2027, providing more than 2,500 high-power chargers.

This year, Mercedes-Benz is the best-selling imported electric vehicle brand in South Korea. K?llenius said, “Just as we use roaming when traveling abroad, electric vehicles need charging, and it is necessary to increase charging points in Korea. Through a comprehensive partnership with Korea, we will establish a system that allows charging not only in public spaces but also at home.”

Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV. This model was first unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show in China last April and made its debut in Korea this time.

K?llenius repeatedly emphasized the group’s Ambition 2039 for sustainable mobility. Mercedes-Benz Group aims to achieve carbon neutrality in all areas?from technology development and raw material sourcing to production and services?by 2039. Accordingly, the company plans to increase the share of electric and electrified vehicles to up to 50% by 2025 and prepare to convert its entire lineup to electric vehicles by 2030, depending on market conditions.

He stated, “This is a time when the automobile as a product is being reinvented in response to decarbonization. Our goal is to achieve decarbonization across all business areas?including supply, operations, and products?before 2040.” However, he added, “Converting 100% of vehicles to electric by 2030 depends on market conditions. If the market is not sufficiently prepared, there will be coexistence with internal combustion engine vehicles.”

Ola K?llenius, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Mercedes-Benz Group

Regarding increasing online sales, he explained, “We will provide a system worldwide that allows customers to make reservations and purchases online. However, this will not replace the experience of seeing and buying cars at showrooms but will complement it.”

Although the Korean market is important, no clear announcement was made regarding domestic investment. He mentioned that while Mercedes-Benz is not a manufacturer with large production volumes, if there is sufficient demand, the possibility of production in Korea could be considered. Mercedes-Benz maintains cooperative relationships with various Korean suppliers in batteries, software, and other areas.

At the same venue, Mercedes-Benz Korea unveiled the first electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) from its ultra-luxury brand Maybach, the ‘Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV,’ for the first time in Korea. The show car ‘Vision AMG,’ embodying Mercedes-AMG’s vision for high-performance electric driving, was also displayed at the event. The Maybach EQS SUV offers an estimated driving range of 600 km (WLTP standard) on a single charge, with a maximum output of 484 kW and maximum torque of 950 N·m.

The Vision AMG show car by Mercedes-Benz unveiled last year. It offers a glimpse into the design direction of upcoming Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

T1 pro gamer Lee Sang-hyeok (Faker, left) and Ola K?llenius, Chairman of Mercedes-Benz, are taking a commemorative photo on the 24th. Lee is sponsored to drive a Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.