The CEO Of Mercedes-Benz's First EV Charging Station In The U.S. Talks To 'Auto Trends'

This is Mercedes-Benz first high power EV charging station. (Photo Credit:JeffCars.com)

 

Not since the era of horse drawn buggies and carriages has the transportation industry, more specifically the auto industry, seen so much upheaval and uncertainties, as the world slowly shifts from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles.

The Biden Administration has made its push to support electrification through the Inflation Reduction Act, encouraging electric vehicle manufacturing opportunities in the United States, as well as supporting government subsidized consumer incentives to purchase both new and used vehicles. 

In fact, America has finally crossed the threshold this year, selling 1 million new electric vehicles, in spite of the lack of public charging outlets available. While range anxiety is no longer a pressing issue with electric vehicles owners, as more batteries are being designed to travel beyond 300 miles on a full charge, infrastructure seems to be one of the nagging roadblocks. 

Tesla, who has been the pioneer in the electric vehicle space, created its first Supercharger network 11 years ago. However, up until recently, it has been designed for their owners only. Starting in 2024, Tesla is opening up its network to a number of manufacturers, so as to tap into some of the federal money available from the Inflation Reduction Act while allowing more drivers access to recharge. 

Although this is a step in the right direction, drivers are looking for charging stations to be just as accessible as gasoline stations, as more and more consumers fully embrace going all-electric. 

Mercedes-Benz, who has traditionally been known as a manufacturer of world class luxury vehicles many aspire to own, has decided not to wait for others to create the charging experience they believe all electric vehicles owners should have. Like Tesla, they're getting into the charging business too. 

Just recently, the German luxury automaker opened up its first high power charging station in North America on the campus of its Atlanta-based U.S. headquarters. The station, which is draped by a solar canopy, is open to all-electric vehicles, not just Mercedes-Benzs. 

Moreover, like many of today's gas stations, the well-lit charging hub is located near major highways. A lounge is housed next to the charging station allowing drivers access to vending machines, internet access and clean restrooms while they wait for their vehicle to recharge. 

Yes, this is the experience many electric vehicles have yearned for since the launch of the first electric car. This is like having access to a premium welcome visitor center, as travelers cross state lines, except in this case, it's designed specifically for electric vehicle owners.

Andrew Cornelia, the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging (Photo Credit: MB)

In a wide-ranging conversation, Andrew Cornelia, the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz high power charging in North America, joins Auto Trends with JeffCars.com, a syndicated multicultural automotive program. 

Cornelia will discuss everything from his personal connection to Tesla, to why the automaker decided to establish an all-new electric vehicle charging station business, to how they plan on creating approximately 400 branded charging hubs throughout North America by the end of the decade.

To Tune In On SiriusXM And Other Radio Outlets

The conversation airs Saturday, December 9 thru Thursday, December 14. To hear the program on SiriusXM and other radio outlets, click here.  

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