Mercedes-Benz Launches First North America EV Charging Station To Rival Tesla

Photo Credit: JeffCars.com

Photo Credit: JeffCars.com

As more consumers adopt electric vehicles in the United States, one of the biggest drawbacks for both current and potential owners have been the lack of access to public chargers. Once they are located drivers are hoping and praying that they work. Up until recently, the only automaker that has offered a network of reliable charging stations was Tesla. 

Like a number of automakers who have pushed forward in manufacturing and selling EVs, Mercedes-Benz signed a pact with Tesla earlier this year, allowing their owners access to the EV sales leader 12,000 chargers starting in January 2024.

Photo Credit: JeffCars.com

However, in the meantime, Mercedes-Benz, who now has several all-electric vehicles in their portfolio, has created their first EV high-power charging station similar to that of any gas station. Unlike a traditional gas station, which offers fuel, Mercedes-Benz's new hub, which is located at the campus of their North America headquarter, will offer a premium cafe for EV drivers to be seated, while charging. 

Thus, unlike Tesla's charging network which might be located in a distant area in the parking lot of Targets throughout the United States, the Mercedes-Benz hub allows drivers access to a well-lit, climate-controlled environment to purchase snacks, catch up on emails, read a book, stream a movie or rest, while waiting for their vehicle to charge. Up until now, hubs like the German automaker only existed in Europe.

Here are a few key points about Mercedes-Benz's EV high-power charging hub:

• Both Mercedes-Benz and non Mercedes-Benz drivers will have access to the charging hub.
• Depending on the region, the charging station offer charging rate of currently up to 400kW, one of the fastest in the industry.
• They will be located in high traffic safe areas (what does this mean for the inner city???)
• Outside of Mercedes-Benz North America Campus, the EV high power charging hub will be available in the near future at Simon-owned shopping centers and Buc-ee's fuel centers throughout the U.S. 

We're not sure if restrooms will be available and/or if the hubs will be operated by AI. However, we're working on securing a one-one radio conversation on Auto Trends with JeffCars.com with Andrew Cornelia, the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz high-power charging hub.