The Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging network is expanding into Canada, with more than 2,500 fast chargers planned across Canada and the US.

The Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging network is set to debut in Canada in 2025 in Metro Vancouver, and more fast chargers will open in Toronto in 2026.

The smart charging stations are open to all EVS, and Mercedes-Benz drivers have exclusive benefit privileges, including automatic charger reservations enabled by the native Navigation with Electric Intelligence feature on electric Mercedes models and the “Plug & Charge” feature for Mercedes me Charge app users.

The 400 kW DC fast chargers will feature both CCS1 and NACS connectors, and certain EVs will be able to charge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes.

“Our expansion into Canada will take steps to fill the gap in fast charging infrastructure and help customers confidently drive electric. At the end of the day, a better charging experience is a better EV ownership experience,” said Andrew Cornelia, CEO and president of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging North America.

Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging opened its first North American charging site at Mercedes-Benz USA’s headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia, in November 2023 as part of an initial $1 billion charging network investment.

In February, Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging surpassed 300 charging stalls in operation and under construction in 11 US states.

Read more: Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging goes large at Starbucks

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Hyundai just launched its first flagship EV, the IONIQ 9, in South Korea. The IONIQ 9 is the largest Hyundai electric SUV with “best-in-class” interior space and features more driving range than any other EV in its lineup. For those of you in the US, get ready. You’re up next.

Hyundai IONIQ 9 launches in South Korea

After opening pre-orders last week, Hyundai officially launched the flagship IONIQ 9 in its home market on Thursday.

The electric SUV is available in six or seven-seat configurations, each with three trim options. The seven-seater “Exclusive” model starts at 67.15 million won, or around $46,000. Prices range upward to 79.41 million won ($54,500) for the premium “Calligraphy” six-seater. It can be bought in AWD or RWD powertrain setups.

With incentives, Hyundai expects the actual purchase price of the base IONIQ 9 (Exclusive trim) to be in the low to mid 60 million won range (around $41,000 to $45,000).

Buyers can choose from four different seating setups. The six-seater is available with premium relaxation seats, swivel seats, or a dynamic body care seat, while the seven-seater features a 6:4 folding seat.

The electric SUV is slightly larger than its sibling, the Kia EV9, at 5,060 mm (199.2″) long, 1,980 mm (78″) wide, and 1,790 mm (70.5″) tall with a wheelbase of 3,130 mm (123″). In comparison, Kia’s three-row electric SUV is 5,010 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and 1,755 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm.

Inside, Hyundai loaded the flagship model with its latest tech, including a panoramic curved infotainment setup with dual 12.3″ driver display and navigation screens.

Powered by a 110.3 kWh battery and Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 9 is rated for up to 532 km (330 miles) driving range in Korea.

With a 400/800V dual charging system, the IONIQ 9 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger.

During the launch event, a Hyundai Motor official said, “We plan to provide a new level of electrification experience through the IONIQ 9, Hyundai Motor Company’s first electrified flagship SUV model.”

Following its domestic launch, Hyundai said it would launch the IONIQ 9 in the US. Hyundai will build the IONIQ 9 at its new EV plant in Georgia alongside the updated 2025 IONIQ 5.

Like the new IONIQ 5, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 will have a native NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.

Hyundai’s website says the IONIQ 9 is coming in Spring 2025. Although prices will be revealed closer to launch, the flagship electric SUV is expected to start at around $60,000, or slightly higher than the EV9 at about $55,000.

Chevy just unveiled a ferocious new Blazer EV.R prototype. Based on the new Blazer EV SS and NASCAR’s tri-motor powertrain, the prototype delivers over 1,300 horsepower.

Chevy unveils 1,300 hp Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype

Ahead of the Daytona 500 this weekend, Chevy is giving us a glimpse into the future of racing. Chevy introduced the Blazer EV.R prototype on Thursday, which was built in collaboration with NASCAR.

Based on NASCAR’s Next-Gen EV chassis, the Blazer prototype packs over 1,300 hp (1,000 kW) from three STARD UHP 6-Phase electric motors, one in the front and two in the back. It also features a 78 kWh liquid-battery cooled battery.

Chevy said the Blazer EV.R is an example of new technology it’s testing out that could potentially be used in future production cars and race programs.

The prototype pulls design features from the 2025 Blazer EV SS, the fastest SS Chevy has ever made. With up to 615 hp, the electric Blazer can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

Chevy’s global design executive director, Phil Zak, explained the Blazer EV.R features a lower and wider stance with added aerodynamics for performance.

Although just a prototype (for now), GM engineers were able to test it out at race pace last month at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.

The prototype was driven by Team Chevy Driver Justin Allgaier, who won the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion.

NASCAR vice president of vehicle design Brandon Thomas said, “With the Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype, Chevrolet and its engineers meshed new technologies with the NASCAR Next Gen platform – and the result is a powerful, exciting vehicle that we believe fans will love when they see it at Daytona International Speedway.”

The 2025 Chevy Blazer EV SS will be the first to pace “The Great American Race” this weekend. You can watch the Daytona 500 to catch Chevy’s new performance EVs on Sunday, February 16, 2025.