German legacy automaker Mercedes-Benz has officially launched its first ultra-fast charging hubs in North America in a joint venture with MN8 Energy.
According to the press release, the inaugural Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub rose on Mercedes-Benz USA’s headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia. It signifies the first project under the automaker’s investment of more than $1 billion in the JV, which aims to build 2,500 chargers within at least 400 sites in the region by 2030.
“The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network expands global charging options for customers of all EV brands to promote clean, electric mobility. 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.”
Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG
Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub’s key features
Mercedes-Benz claims that the JV’s charging hubs will revolutionize North America’s infrastructures to become “fast, convenient, clean and reliable.” In order to achieve these, the Mercedes-Benz and MN8 Energy equipped the charging hub in Georgia with the following features:
| Features | Description |
| 400kW Chargers | The first chargers installed are provided by ChargePoint and are all 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. |
“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. 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.”
Jon Yoder, President and CEO of MN8 Energy
Locations
According to InsideEVs, the JV plans to launch about 30 charging hubs at Buc-ee’s travel centers in Texas, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia by the end of 2024.
Another 55 charging hubs are also expected to arrive in H1 2024 at Simon Mall sites. Mercedes carefully selected these locations, as it strongly believes that location is among the key factors that enhance customers’ charging experience.
“Key to Mercedes-Benz HPC NA’s driver value network strategy is retail integration, and recently announced agreements with Simon and Buc-ees demonstrate this strategy in action. Simon retail outlets are destinations for food, shopping and socializing located in key areas of EV saturation – where customers are – and Buc-ee’s locations are the world’s most-loved travel centers located strategically along key travel corridors and EV charging deserts – where customers are going.”
Mercedes-Benz
Exclusive benefits for Mercedes-Benz owners
As mentioned, the Mercedes-Benz Charging Hubs will welcome all electric vehicle models regardless of brand.
However, the fast-charging hubs will provide Mercedes-Benz owners exclusive benefits, including the following:
- Automatic charger reservations via the native Navigation with Electric Intelligence on Mercedes-EQ models
- ‘Plug & Charge’ feature for Mercedes me Charge app users
- two years of unlimited free charging for 2024 Mercedes-EQ cars owners
- Six months of free charging for Mercedes-EQ
This ground-breaking electric vehicle charging hub development project is crucial for Mercedes-Benz’s goal of expanding its public charging network in North America. Globally, the company seeks to deploy over 2,000 charging hubs featuring 10,000+ chargers by 2030. It expects these charging-related initiatives to support the widespread adoption of sustainable mobility, aligning with its “Ambition 2039” to establish a zero-emission value chain globally.
