{"id":121380,"date":"2023-11-15T23:49:10","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T23:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cottontailsonline.com\/?p=121380"},"modified":"2023-11-15T23:49:10","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T23:49:10","slug":"mercedes-benz-wants-to-build-north-americas-fastest-ev-charging-network-starts-with-400-kw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cottontailsonline.com\/auto-news\/mercedes-benz-wants-to-build-north-americas-fastest-ev-charging-network-starts-with-400-kw\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercedes-Benz Wants To Build North America's Fastest EV Charging Network, Starts With 400 kW"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mercedes-Benz inaugurated its first EV charging hub in North America today. It’s located at the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz USA in Sandy Springs, Georgia.<\/p>\n

With the official start of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, established by Mercedes-Benz HPC North America \u2013 a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and MN8 Energy \u2013 the company aims to deliver a fast, reliable, premium charging experience for drivers of all EV brands.<\/p>\n

In terms of charging speed, Mercedes-Benz says that the first chargers, provided by ChargePoint, are all capable of charging rates of up to 400 kilowatts, which is more than the current generation of electric cars can accept. ChargePoint says that it can even supply chargers with an output of 500 kW.<\/p>\n

According to the press release, the company expects that at least certain EVs will be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent state-of-charge (SOC) in less than 20 minutes.<\/p>\n

In terms of the charging standard, it’s the Combined Charging System (CCS1), but we know from the previous reports that there will also be a North American Charging Standard (NACS) option in the future. Mercedes-Benz itself is preparing for a switch to NACS in 2025.<\/p>\n

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<\/svg><\/span>Locations and Amenities<\/h2>\n

Before the end of this year, several charging hubs to be open at Buc-ee’s travel centers in Texas, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia (around 30 sites by the end of 2024). Charging hubs at Simon Mall locations (at least 55) are planned to launch in the first half of 2024.<\/p>\n

The main point of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network is the premium charging experience. The company even says that the network will set a new benchmark for quality and customer experience.<\/p>\n

The key to elevating the charging experience is locations and amenities. In terms of locations, Mercedes-Benz explains: “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 \u2013 where customers are \u2013 and Buc-ee’s locations are the world’s most-loved travel centers located strategically along key travel corridors and EV charging deserts \u2013 where customers are going.”<\/p>\n

The Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will include special features (whenever possible). The automaker outlines the features as follows:<\/p>\n