Mercedes-Benz to Open First Charging Hubs in October

After detailing its plans for a charging network early in 2023, Mercedes-Benz has announced that its first Charging Hubs will open by the end of the year. The roll-out will start in three cities globally: Atlanta (the company’s United States headquarters is in Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta); Mannheim, Germany; and Chengdu, China.

Related: Mercedes-Benz Makes It a Bandwagon, Gives Access to Tesla Superchargers

Mercedes says it’s prioritizing convenience and safety. Therefore, its Charging Hubs will be located along high-traffic routes in locations with nearby refreshments and restrooms, and they will be equipped with security cameras. The stations will be open to drivers of all brands of electric vehicles, so long as they have the proper charging port or adapter. Drivers of Mercedes EVs will, the company says, “enjoy special benefits.” They’ll be able to reserve a charger through the in-car app, integrate charging stops into their route with the car’s navigation system, and initiate and pay for the charge seamlessly through Plug & Charge, which automates the verification and payment processes for a vehicle.

With energy producer MN8 Energy a partner in developing its network, Mercedes says the Charging Hubs will use 100% renewable energy. In locations that receive sufficient sunlight, solar panels will help power the chargers. Mercedes says it aims to have more than 2,000 chargers operational by the end of 2024 and more than 10,000 globally by the end of the decade.

In addition to its own Charging Hubs, Mercedes-Benz is one of six automakers involved in a recently announced partnership that aims to open its first chargers in the summer of 2024, with the eventual target of installing more than 30,000. Mercedes has also entered into a partnership with Tesla that will give its drivers access to the Supercharger network starting in 2024. While EVs have certainly raised new questions for many car buyers, it appears the best way forward isn’t exactly clear for the automakers themselves, either — or at least the best way forward isn’t a single path.

It’s also clear that Mercedes is determined to figure it out. The automaker is unequivocal in its commitment to electrification: Its newly formed subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG is tasked with handling business “related to the charging ecosystem.” Franz Reiner, CEO of the subsidiary, said, “We firmly believe that electric mobility is the key to a sustainable, zero-emission future. Our goal is to create an infrastructure that offers electric vehicles reliable and easy charging options.” Car buyers will be able to see for themselves how well Mercedes achieves that goal later this year.

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