CES 2026 Mercedes Electric GLC, ChargePoint 600kW Charging, Used EV Deals

Introduction

CES 2026 kicks off this week in Las Vegas with major electric vehicle announcements that signal the industry's continued advancement despite recent market challenges. Mercedes-Benz debuts its all-electric GLC with an impressive 443-mile range and 800-volt charging architecture, while ChargePoint prepares to launch 600-kilowatt chargers capable of delivering a full charge in just 10 minutes. The used EV market presents unprecedented buying opportunities as roughly 400,000 lease returns flood dealerships with low-mileage vehicles at dramatically reduced prices. Sony Honda Mobility unveils the Afeela pre-production model with California deliveries beginning this year, and Tesla's Austin robotaxi service continues operating with safety drivers as the company prepares for Cybercab mass production in April. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we help Los Angeles property owners prepare for these rapidly evolving vehicles and charging technologies through expert commercial EV charger installations and residential charging solutions. Here are the developments shaping the first full week of 2026.

Mercedes-Benz Debuts Electric GLC at CES 2026 with 443-Mile Range

Mercedes-Benz chose CES 2026 for the U.S. premiere of its all-new electric GLC, a cornerstone of the brand's luxury EV strategy. The GLC 400 4MATIC delivers 483 horsepower from dual motors with an estimated range of up to 713 kilometers (443 miles) on the WLTP cycle. The 800-volt charging architecture enables DC fast charging at speeds up to 330 kilowatts at compatible stations, while standard AC charging reaches 11 kilowatts with an optional 22-kilowatt upgrade. The vehicle also features bidirectional charging capability for vehicle-to-grid applications. Source: The EV Report.

Technology features include the 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, the largest continuous display ever featured in a Mercedes-Benz, along with an industry-first integration of AI from both Microsoft and Google. The SAE Level 2 MB.DRIVE system, powered by NVIDIA, enables automated navigation on city streets. U.S. market availability is scheduled for the second half of 2026. Source: MotorTrend.

The electric GLC joins a growing roster of luxury EVs with 800-volt architectures that can take full advantage of the next generation of ultra-fast chargers. For property owners considering charging infrastructure investments, these vehicles demonstrate the industry's trajectory toward faster charging speeds, making future-ready electrical capacity increasingly valuable. Shaffer Construction can assess your property's readiness through comprehensive electrical load studies.

ChargePoint Launches 600kW Chargers for 10-Minute Charging

ChargePoint and Eaton have unveiled the ChargePoint Express Grid, a breakthrough 600-kilowatt DC fast charger capable of recharging passenger EVs in approximately 10 minutes. The vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capable solution can also provide megawatt-class charging for heavy-duty commercial applications. ChargePoint CEO Rick Wilmer described it as taking DC fast charging to levels of performance and cost not previously imagined. Express solutions will be available to order for select customers in the first quarter of 2026 in North America and Europe, with deliveries beginning in the second half of the year. Source: ChargePoint.

The modular DC Grid design can be deployed with 30 percent lower capital expenditure in a 30 percent smaller footprint while delivering up to 30 percent reduction in ongoing operational costs compared to other available solutions. The technology debuted at the RE+ trade show in Las Vegas in September 2025, and its commercial availability in 2026 marks a significant milestone for public charging infrastructure. Source: The Cool Down.

While 600-kilowatt charging represents the cutting edge, current vehicles can only accept a portion of this power, with most topping out between 250 and 350 kilowatts. However, as we covered in our discussion of BYD's megawatt charging technology, charging speeds are advancing rapidly. The ChargePoint Express Grid positions public charging networks to serve both current and next-generation vehicles.

2026 Presents Best Opportunity for Used EV Buyers

The used electric vehicle market is experiencing a dramatic transformation that creates unprecedented buying opportunities for consumers. Edmunds estimates roughly 400,000 additional lease returns will hit the market in 2026, flooding dealerships with low-mileage EVs at substantially reduced prices. About 71 percent of EVs sold in recent years were leased, stemming from a quirk in the EV tax credit rules where leased vehicles qualified for the full credit regardless of where they were manufactured. Most off-lease vehicles expected in 2026 will have less than 30,000 miles, meaning battery degradation will be minimal. Source: InsideEVs.

Current market pricing illustrates the opportunity: a loaded 2024 Blazer EV LT2 now trades for as little as $25,000, while $35,000 can secure a Cadillac Lyriq, Mercedes EQE SUV, BMW i4, or Tesla Model 3 Performance. BMW iX models are selling for under $38,000, remarkable for vehicles that cost over $100,000 new. The Tesla Model Y averages approximately $29,429 on the used market, the Ford Mustang Mach-E averages $28,970, and the Kia EV6 averages around $27,427. Average selling prices of used EVs are expected to fall an additional 5 to 10 percent by late 2026. Source: InsideEVs.

This influx of affordable used EVs expands the population of EV drivers who need charging access. As we discussed in our coverage of the Kia EV3 and other affordable options, more accessible EVs at all price points drive demand for convenient home and workplace charging infrastructure.

Sony Honda Afeela Pre-Production Unveiled at CES 2026

Sony Honda Mobility held its first independent press conference at CES 2026 on January 5, unveiling the Afeela 1 pre-production model alongside an all-new concept vehicle. The company's booth, its largest to date, features several Afeela 1 vehicles in multiple color variations. The Afeela 1 is currently available to reserve starting at $89,900, including a three-year complimentary subscription, with deliveries to California customers beginning in 2026. The top Signature trim is expected to start deliveries in mid-2026. Source: The EV Report.

The Afeela represents a unique collaboration between Sony's entertainment and technology expertise and Honda's automotive manufacturing capability. Notably, Sony Honda Mobility recently announced that the Afeela will be the first vehicle ever to offer PlayStation Remote Play, allowing streaming of PS4 or PS5 games from consoles remotely while inside the car. The integration of gaming, entertainment, and transportation technology signals how EVs are becoming comprehensive technology platforms rather than simple vehicles. Source: Torque News.

With California as the initial launch market, Los Angeles property owners may be among the first to encounter Afeela drivers seeking charging access. The vehicle's premium positioning suggests buyers who expect convenient charging options at their residences and destinations.

Tesla Robotaxi Austin Service Continues with Safety Drivers

Tesla's Austin robotaxi service continues operating as 2026 begins, though the company quietly missed its self-imposed deadline to launch fully driverless rides by January 1. The service launched in a limited capacity in Austin on June 22, 2025, but still operates with safety drivers present, their fingers hovering over emergency kill switches. The Austin fleet remains small, with recent analysis indicating only about three dozen robotaxis currently operating in the city, far short of the 500 vehicles Elon Musk promised for Austin by the end of 2025. Source: InsideEVs.

Tesla has begun testing Model Y robotaxis in Austin without human safety monitors on board, though this remains limited to testing rather than public passenger service. Musk says Tesla will roughly double its supervised robotaxi fleet in Austin next month, and Cybercab mass production is set to begin in April 2026. Despite the delivery challenges we covered in our report on BYD overtaking Tesla, investors remain optimistic about Tesla's autonomous vehicle future, with the stock finishing 2025 up roughly 11 percent. Source: Applying AI.

While fully autonomous robotaxis remain a future prospect, the technology development highlights how rapidly the automotive landscape is evolving. Property owners who invest in charging infrastructure today position themselves to serve whatever vehicle configurations emerge from this period of rapid innovation.

What These Developments Mean for Los Angeles Property Owners

CES 2026 demonstrates that despite sales headwinds, the EV industry continues advancing on technology, charging infrastructure, and new market entrants. The Mercedes electric GLC's 443-mile range and 800-volt charging architecture represent the premium segment's direction, while ChargePoint's 600-kilowatt chargers preview how quickly public charging will evolve. The flood of affordable used EVs expands the addressable market for charging infrastructure beyond new car buyers.

The Sony Honda Afeela's California launch means Los Angeles property owners may encounter these vehicles soon. Tesla's robotaxi development, while behind schedule, points toward a future where autonomous vehicles require convenient charging access at destinations throughout the city. As we noted in our coverage of the Model Y Juniper refresh, Tesla continues innovating on both vehicle and charging technology despite recent challenges.

For Los Angeles property owners, the federal charger tax credit deadline of June 30, 2026 remains the most actionable near-term opportunity. Whether serving residents, employees, customers, or eventually autonomous vehicles, properties with charging infrastructure will be better positioned as the EV population continues expanding through both new sales and the used market influx.

Conclusion

CES 2026 showcases the electric vehicle industry's technological momentum with the Mercedes electric GLC delivering 443 miles of range and ChargePoint's 600-kilowatt chargers enabling 10-minute charging. The used EV market's dramatic price drops, driven by 400,000 lease returns, expand EV accessibility to buyers at every price point. Sony Honda Mobility's Afeela begins California deliveries this year, adding another premium option for Los Angeles drivers. Tesla's robotaxi service continues developing in Austin as the company prepares for Cybercab production. For Los Angeles property owners, these developments reinforce that EV adoption continues accelerating from multiple directions, and properties with charging infrastructure will be well-positioned to serve this expanding market. Acting before the June 30, 2026 tax credit deadline maximizes available incentives.

Ready to explore EV charging options for your Los Angeles property? Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. for a complimentary site assessment and expert guidance on selecting the right charging solution for your needs.

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