Mercedes-Benz kicks off EV charging network with luxurious, open charging hub at US headquarters

Tesla's Supercharger network has shown other EV makers that infrastructure is key to a successful electric car program. While Mercedes-Benz may be late to the EV party, it appears to have committed to electrification as a long-term strategy. Its new charging hub at its Atlanta-based US headquarters is the first of 400 planned hubs coming to the US in the coming years.

Much like the Santa Monica Diner and Drive-In Supercharger Tesla announced recently, Mercedes-Benz's new charging station aims to make charging a more pleasurable experience. Instead of going retro, like Tesla, though, Mercedes-Benz has leaned into its luxury roots.

There are a number of things that set the Mercedes-Benz Sandy Springs charging hub apart from other charging stations. Not only are its 400 kW chargers the fastest in the country, future charging hubs will also feature both NACS and CCS1 connectors for maximum compatibility.

At the entrance to the Sandy Springs charging hub, there is a 15-foot-tall pylon with LED indicators that communicate charger availability. Apart from the stall designated for tall EVs and EVs with trailers, all stalls are covered by roofs clad in solar panels, shielding users from the sun and providing power to the hub itself.

Along with ample charging, there is an exclusive charging lounge — which will be a feature at some exclusive Mercedes charging locations — that offers a comfortable place to have a drink, take a bathroom break, and have a snack.

As something of a shot across Tesla's bow, Mercedes touts the charging hub as “Open to all from day one,” meaning that owners of any brand of electric car can charge at the new hub without restrictions.

Mercedes-Benz plans to install 400 charging hubs throughout the US in the coming years, but not all of them will be as luxurious as the inaugural one. In some cases, Mercedes-Benz is partnering with existing businesses, hotels, and other establishments “along key travel corridors and EV charging deserts.”

The German brand hopes that partnering with companies along common routes will make EV charging fade into the background, as opposed to being one of the biggest hurdles to EV adoption.

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