Mercedes-Benz is driving forward the electric vehicle revolution with the grand opening of its first North American charging hub, strategically located at the Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia. This landmark inauguration marks the beginning of a significant expansion of EV infrastructure across the continent, spearheaded by Mercedes-Benz HPC North America (Mercedes-Benz HPC NA), a joint venture with MN8 Energy. This initiative underscores Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to not only producing cutting-edge electric vehicles but also ensuring a seamless and premium charging experience for all EV drivers, starting right here in Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs.
This pioneering charging hub in Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs is just the first step in a massive undertaking. Mercedes-Benz and MN8 Energy have pledged over $1 billion to establish a network of high-speed charging stations that will span North America. By the decade’s end, the goal is to have 2,500 chargers across at least 400 charging hubs, making it one of the most ambitious EV charging networks in the region. Crucially, this network is committed to sustainability, powered by 100% clean energy sourced from carbon-neutral renewable sources. Furthermore, in a move that champions EV adoption across the board, these charging hubs are open to drivers of all electric vehicle brands, promising a Mercedes-Benz brand-level experience to everyone who plugs in at Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs and beyond.
A New Benchmark in EV Charging: The Sandy Springs Hub
The Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs charging hub isn’t just another charging station; it’s a meticulously designed space setting a new standard for what EV charging can and should be. Located at the heart of Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs, it’s packed with features designed to enhance the charging experience for every user:
Unparalleled Charging Speed with 400kW Chargers
At the forefront of charging technology, the Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs location boasts ChargePoint chargers capable of delivering up to 400kW. These are among the fastest chargers available today, significantly reducing charging times and getting drivers back on the road quicker. For compatible EVs, this means charging from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes, a game-changer for EV convenience.
Open to All Electric Vehicles
True to its commitment to fostering widespread EV adoption, Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs welcomes drivers of all EV brands. From day one, the charging hub is accessible to any electric vehicle, ensuring that the benefits of this premium charging experience are not limited to Mercedes-Benz owners but extend to the entire EV community.
Premium Charging Lounge Experience
Charging stops at Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs are designed to be comfortable and enjoyable, not just functional. The hub features a dedicated charging lounge, offering a premium environment where customers can relax while their vehicles charge. Inside, you’ll find comfortable couches and lounge chairs, vending machines stocked with refreshments, and clean, modern restroom facilities – all contributing to a welcoming and upscale experience that aligns with the Mercedes-Benz brand promise.
Sustainable Design with Solar Canopy and LED Lighting
The Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs hub incorporates sustainable design elements. A solar canopy provides weather protection for customers, ensuring comfortable charging regardless of the elements. This canopy is also equipped with overhead LED lighting for enhanced safety and security, and features integrated solar panels that generate passive clean electricity, further contributing to the hub’s commitment to renewable energy.
Intelligent Charging Stall Indicators
Navigating charging stations is made easier with intelligent indicators at Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs. A 15-foot pylon, visible from the street, clearly displays the status of each charging stall: whether it’s in use, available, or reserved. This visual cue helps drivers quickly identify available charging spots, streamlining the charging process and reducing wait times.
Accessibility for All Drivers
Recognizing the diverse needs of EV drivers, the Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs hub prioritizes accessibility. One charging spot, conveniently located closest to the charging lounge, is specifically designed for handicap-accessible vehicles. Additionally, an uncovered drive-through charging spot is available for larger electric vehicles such as vans or EVs towing trailers up to 26 feet in length, ensuring that the hub can accommodate a wide range of vehicle types and driver requirements.
Powered by Renewable Energy
Sustainability is at the core of the Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs charging hub. Through a combination of direct and indirect sourcing, the hub operates using 100% renewable energy, achieving carbon neutrality. This commitment to clean energy underscores Mercedes-Benz’s broader environmental goals and its dedication to a sustainable future for electric mobility.
Expanding the Network: Texas, the Southeast, and Beyond
The Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs hub is just the beginning. Mercedes-Benz HPC NA is rapidly expanding its charging network, with plans to open multiple hubs across Texas and the Southeast by the end of 2023. These upcoming locations include Buc-ee’s travel centers in Texas, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, strategically positioned along key travel corridors to provide convenient charging options for EV drivers on the go. Further expansion is planned for 2024, including charging hubs at Simon Mall locations, integrating charging seamlessly into shopping and lifestyle destinations.
These strategic partnerships with retail leaders like Simon and Buc-ee’s are central to Mercedes-Benz’s network strategy. By placing charging hubs at frequently visited locations, Mercedes-Benz aims to make EV charging a natural part of everyday life. This approach ensures that EV drivers have access to reliable and premium charging where they need it most – whether it’s during long road trips or while running errands in urban centers.
Mercedes-Benz Vision: Leading the Charge in EV Infrastructure
Mercedes-Benz is not just participating in the electric vehicle revolution; it’s actively shaping it. The launch of the Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs charging hub and the broader network rollout are testaments to this leadership.
Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, emphasizes the global vision: “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.”
Jon Yoder, President & CEO of MN8 Energy, highlights the speed and dedication of the partnership: “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.”
Andrew Cornelia, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America LLC, reiterates the commitment to quality: “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. Our driver-first network will deliver some of the fastest charging speeds and will be openly accessible to all EV drivers from day one.”
Key Highlights of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network
- Fastest Charging: Exclusively offering chargers up to 400kW, ensuring rapid charging times.
- Open Access: Welcoming all EV brands to promote widespread EV adoption.
- Premium Experience: Integrating charging into daily life with comfortable lounges and retail partnerships.
- Reliable Network: Partnering with MN8 Energy to ensure industry-leading uptime and reliability.
- Strategic Locations: Focusing on high-traffic areas and travel corridors to meet driver demand.
- Exclusive Perks for Mercedes-Benz Drivers: Offering benefits like automatic charger reservations and complimentary charging for Mercedes-EQ owners.
A Global Commitment to Electrification
The North American charging network is part of a larger global strategy by Mercedes-Benz to expand EV charging infrastructure worldwide. This includes participation in the IONITY joint venture in Europe and a recent partnership with other automotive OEMs to further expand high-power charging in North America. Mercedes-Benz aims to establish over 2,000 charging hubs with more than 10,000 charging points globally by the end of the decade, spanning the US, Europe, China, and other key markets.
This global effort aligns with Mercedes-Benz’s “Ambition 2039,” the company’s commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral value chain by the end of the next decade. By investing in a comprehensive global charging network, starting with the pioneering hub in Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs, Mercedes-Benz is taking bold steps towards a carbon-neutral future for the automotive industry and paving the way for widespread electric vehicle adoption.
