Mercedes-Benz has launched its first electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in North America through its joint venture with MN8 Energy. The automotive OEM plans to install at least 400 charging hubs across North America by the end of the decade.
Through the joint venture, called Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, Mercedes-Benz will invest more than $1 billion for 2,500 chargers at these 400 charging hubs. The inaugural hub was installed in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
The first charging hub from Mercedes-Benz will:
- Feature 400 kW chargers provided by ChargePoint
- Enable any brand of EV to use the hub
- Include a charging lounge, solar canopy with LED lighting and intelligent indicators
- Use renewable energy
- Offer access to handicap vehicles
- Incorporate CCS1 and NACS connectors
More hubs coming
Mercedes-Benz HPC NA said it will announce more hubs in North America by the end of 2023. Hubs will open at Buc-ee’s travel centers in Texas, Florida, Alabama and Georgia.
Further expansion will happen at Simon Mall locations that are planned for launch in the first half of 2024.
The company said its strategy is to install the EV hubs at retail locations where food, shopping and other consumer options are available and EV users are likely to already be in the area. Another part of its strategy is to position the hubs along key travel corridors and EV charging deserts where the deal with Buc-ee travel centers comes into play.
