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Mercedes-Benz Launches First EV Charging Hub in North America for All EV Brands

Mercedes-Benz High Performance Charging North America (Mercedes-Benz HPC NA) has recently announced the inauguration of their first-ever Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub located at the Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia. This venture, a collaboration with MN8 Energy, marks the launch of a premium network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across North America. Representing a new benchmark in fast, reliable, and eco-friendly EV charging, this initiative aims to encourage a shift towards EV adoption by increasing the availability of public charging options for all brands of EVs. This pioneering charging hub is just the first milestone in Mercedes-Benz’s pledge to invest more than $1 billion, in partnership with MN8 Energy, to establish at least 400 charging hubs equipped with a total of 2,500 chargers across North America by the end of this decade.

Sandy Springs, GA: North America’s First Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub

The inaugural charging hub at the Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters represents a benchmark for standalone charging hubs. It offers a range of special features:

  • 400kW Chargers: The first chargers installed are provided by ChargePoint and are capable of charging rates of up to 400kW, offering customers some of the fastest charging speeds in the industry.
  • Open to all from day one: Drivers of EVs from any brand can charge their vehicle and enjoy a Mercedes-Benz brand commensurate experience.
  • Charging lounge: Charging hub customers can enjoy a premium, clean, and comfortable environment while their vehicle charges, complete with couches and lounge chairs, vending machines, refreshments, and restroom facilities.
  • Solar Canopy: Provides weather cover for customers, overhead LED lighting for safety, and solar panels on top to generate passive clean electricity.
  • Intelligent Indicators: A pylon built to a height of 15 feet, visible from the street, indicates the status of the charging stall: in use, free, or reserved.
  • Accessibility: The charging hub includes one charging spot, closest to the charging lounge, designed especially for handicap accessible vehicles, as well as one uncovered, drive-through charging spot that is designed for electric vans or EVs with trailers up to 26 feet in length.
  • Powered by clean energy: Through both direct and indirect means, the charging hub uses renewable energy and is carbon neutral.

“The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network expands global charging options for customers of all EV brands to promote clean, electric mobility,” said Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG. “In North America, our strategy is clear: focusing on where EV drivers are and where they are going to enhance the North American EV charging map while setting new standards for quality and customer experience. These efforts will pave the way for greater EV adoption here in North America and around the world.”

The Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub not only offers convenience and speed to EV drivers, but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. By utilizing solar panels and clean energy sources, the hub is able to offset carbon emissions and reduce its environmental impact.

In addition to providing charging services for all EV brands, the hub also serves as a showcase for Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to innovation and technology.

Key to Mercedes-Benz HPC NA’s driver value network strategy is retail integration. This strategy is exemplified through recently announced agreements with Simon and Buc-ees. Simon retail outlets, popular destinations for food, shopping, and socializing, are situated in areas with high EV saturation – where the customers are. Buc-ee’s locations, as the world’s most-loved travel centers, are strategically positioned along key travel corridors and EV charging deserts – places where customers are heading. Simultaneous with today’s inaugural Charging Hub opening, Mercedes-Benz HPC NA announced plans for multiple hubs at Buc-ee’s travel centers in Texas, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia by the end of 2023, with additional expansion set for 2024. Charging hubs at Simon Mall locations are slated to launch in the first half of 2024. These partnerships underscore the power of retail integration collaborations to expedite a network build-out that delivers immediate customer impact.

“At the onset of MN8’s partnership with Mercedes-Benz to build an unparalleled charging experience, we shared a vision of bringing the decarbonized future faster,” said Jon Yoder, President and CEO of MN8 Energy. “The incredible speed with which we’ve made that vision a reality, demonstrated by the inauguration of the charging experience here at Mercedes-Benz USA Headquarters and the sites that will follow later this year, is a testament to the strength of our purpose and outstanding abilities of our teams.”

“With the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network in North America, we aim to set a new standard for a quality charging experience for the entire industry,” said Andrew Cornelia, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America LLC. “Our driver-first network will deliver some of the fastest charging speeds and will be openly accessible to all EV drivers from day one.”