Mercedes-Benz wants to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape in North America with the launch of its first Charging Hub at the Mercedes-Benz USA Headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia. This initiative, a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and MN8 Energy under the name Mercedes-Benz HPC North America (Mercedes-Benz HPC NA), aims to establish a premium network of EV charging stations across the continent.
The inaugural Charging Hub in Sandy Springs showcases several innovative features. Equipped with 400kW chargers from ChargePoint, it offers one of the fastest charging speeds in the industry. Importantly, the hub is open to drivers of all EV brands, aligning with Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to providing a high-quality charging experience for all users.
The Charging Hub also features a comfortable charging lounge with amenities such as couches, lounge chairs, vending machines, refreshments, and restroom facilities, creating a premium and inviting environment for users. Additionally, the hub incorporates a solar canopy, ensuring clean energy use, with solar panels generating passive electricity. Intelligent indicators visible from the street help drivers identify the status of charging stalls, whether in use, free, or reserved.
Mercedes-Benz plans to invest over $1 billion, in partnership with MN8 Energy, to deploy 2,500 chargers across at least 400 charging hubs in North America by the end of the decade. The company is committed to utilizing 100% clean energy from renewable sources, further emphasizing its dedication to environmental sustainability.
The strategic placement of charging hubs is a key element of Mercedes-Benz’s approach, with a focus on locations where EV drivers frequent, enhancing the overall charging infrastructure in North America. The company has also announced collaborations with retail partners, such as Simon and Buc-ee’s, to integrate charging hubs into popular destinations and travel centers.
The network boasts the fastest chargers in the country, providing up to 400kW at all charging hubs. Intelligent charging management ensures quick charging times, with some EVs able to charge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes. The network is designed to be future-proof, compatible with leading charging hardware and software, featuring CCS1 and Tesla NACS connectors.
From the outset, the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network is open to all brands of EVs, aligning with the company’s commitment to expanding the North American charging infrastructure and promoting wider EV adoption. The charging hubs will be accessible through major charging hub aggregators.
Mercedes-Benz aims to integrate EV charging seamlessly into users’ daily lives, with charging hubs strategically located where people work, shop, live, and play. Exclusive amenities, including charging lounges and retail integration, will enhance the overall customer experience.
The company has partnered with MN8 Energy, a leading renewable energy company, to ensure reliable charging with industry-leading uptime. MN8’s expertise in renewable energy solutions is expected to contribute to a high-quality and premium experience for EV drivers.
Mercedes-Benz plans to strategically position charging hubs to meet current demand and drive EV adoption. The national network strategy focuses on areas with high EV saturation and fills in charging gaps along popular travel routes.
The charging hubs will offer exclusive perks for Mercedes-Benz EV drivers, including automatic charger reservations through the native Navigation with Electric Intelligence feature and ‘Plug & Charge’ for users of the Mercedes me Charge app. Additionally, drivers of model year 2024 Mercedes-EQ cars and SUVs will enjoy two years of unlimited complimentary charging, while current Mercedes-EQ drivers will receive six months of free charging at Mercedes-Benz charging hubs.
The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network aims to set a new standard for the charging industry, emphasizing quality, customer experience, and accessibility. With charging speeds of up to 400kW, the network promises swift charging times, allowing certain EVs to charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes. The open-access approach ensures that the network is available to all EV drivers, contributing to the expansion of the North American public charging map.
Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz is introducing exclusive perks for its EV drivers, including automatic charger reservations and ‘Plug & Charge’ features, providing a seamless and convenient experience. Model year 2024 Mercedes-EQ owners will receive two years of unlimited complimentary charging at Mercedes-Benz charging hubs, while current Mercedes-EQ drivers will benefit from six months of free charging.
This ambitious initiative aligns with Mercedes-Benz’s global commitment to clean, electrified mobility. The company envisions over 2,000 charging hubs with more than 10,000 charging points globally by the end of the decade, as part of its broader sustainability goals outlined in Ambition 2039. The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network represents a significant step towards a carbon-neutral future for the automotive industry, reinforcing the company’s dedication to driving the transition to electric mobility.
