Mercedes-Benz (Public) Charging Hub : A Glimpse into the Future

As electric vehicles (EVs) weave into the fabric of modern transportation, I embarked on a 1000-mile road trip (more about it later) to Atlanta, with a particular destination in mind: the Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub. This visit unveiled not just a charging station, but a symbol of the future of mobility—futuristic, sophisticated, and luxurious.

An Electrifying Experience in Atlanta

If you find yourself in Atlanta, I encourage you to witness this marvel firsthand, especially as evening sets. It caters to all electric vehicles with CCS connectors, offering a universal embrace of the EV community. Current Mercedes-EQ vehicle owners are welcomed with a generous offering of six months of free charging—a testament to the brand's commitment to customer appreciation.

The Canopy: More Than Just a Shelter

Upon arrival, the canopy declares itself as the site's crowning feature. It's akin to stepping into an exclusive airport lounge, bathed in light and modernity. Initially, I was skeptical—could this be an overreach? However, I realized that the essence of Mercedes-Benz is to transcend the ordinary. Situated beside its corporate office, this hub serves as a beacon of the brand's vision.

The hub's features are remarkable:

• Cantilever construction: A very appealing one of kind design, definitely needing a solid foundation to counterbalance.
• Solar Power: Clean electricity is passively harnessed through rooftop solar panels.
• LED Lighting: A canopy of lights ensures safety and comfort, enhancing the user experience.
• Inductive LED Activation (Roof lighting): The station's floor illuminates to indicate an occupied charging spot. (below picture you can see LED brighter where the vehicle is parked).
• Video Surveillance: For added security, the site is monitored around the clock.
• Intelligent LED Indicators (Side pillar) : The availability of charging stalls is communicated through color-coded lights, visible even from a distance.

EV Supercharging Performance

Each charger at the hub is a powerhouse, offering up to 400 kW of power. In this location, chargers installed by ChargePoint offering customers some of the fastest charging speeds in the industry. In perspective 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes.

ChargePoint offers this modular system to scale even for future needs. With the Power link, Power Block and Power module designed for scale and serviceability. Also the Liquid-cooled cables enable fast charging speeds, while cable management creates an easy charging experience and reaches a variety of vehicles.

Seamless Integration

If you are an Mercedes-EQ owner (Lucky you) this site offers "Plug & charge". This allows Mercedes-EQ drivers to pull up, plug in and walk away as their charging session starts, ends and processes payment without drivers having to worry about a thing.

Other EV drivers can pay thru onboard charger NFC Payment (contactless) to tap and charge.

Want to read technical about Plug & Charge - Article on ISO 15118’s Plug & Charge by Christian Hahn

Electric Vehicle (Mercedes-Benz advantage)

And this is only for the lucky ones. Exclusive Perks for the Privileged, Mercedes-EQ ownership comes with its privileges.

How about to start with 2024 Mercedes-EQ cars and SUVs will receive two years of unlimited complimentary charging at Mercedes-Benz charging hubs, while current drivers of Mercedes-EQ vehicles will receive six months of free charging.

• Route planning : Native navigation system provides convenient routing, automatically planning and reserving the best charging stops.
• Mercedes-Benz charger Reservation system : Navigation system will automatically reserve a charger ahead of your arrival.
• Mercedes me connect (Mobile App) : Seamless search, charging and payment is integrated to provide a most convenience charging experience.

Sebastian Noetzel , me and Cory Hewett exploring cockpit navigation system.

Refined Amenities

Last but not least, It's a space that resonates with the elegance of the brand, designed to elevate the charging pause to a moment of relaxation. How do we spend the 20 min of charge time ? (more will share how I spend that in the 9 charging station during my 1000 miles trip later)

But this site offers a sanctuary like an luxury lounge:

• Clean and Comfortable environment
• Couches and Lounge chairs
• Restroom facilities
• Coffee Vending machines
• Snacks & Drinks Vending machine

PS: Currently accessible from 8AM to 8PM. I am sure MB will consider this based on the traffic and utilization data.

Utility

Conceived, approved, and built within six months, this hub stands as a beacon of efficient innovation. It's a model I plan to explore further with Mercedes-Benz USA for lessons learnt from its rapid development.

Mercedes-Benz's Visionary Leap

A Global Commitment to Clean, Electrified Mobility

This hub marks the start of a bold initiative by Mercedes-Benz HPC North America (Mercedes-Benz HPC NA), a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz USA and MN8 Energy , launching a network of premium electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across North America. This charging hub is the first step in Mercedes-Benz's commitment to invest over $1 billion, in a joint venture with MN8 Energy, to deliver 2,500 high-powered chargers within at least 400 charging hubs across North America by 2027.

Look forward for several hubs in the eastern corridor opening at Buc-ee's travel centers and Simon Mall locations.

"The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network expands global charging options for customers of all EV brands to promote clean, electric mobility," said Franz Reiner , Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG.

Conclusion

Mercedes-Benz is pioneering a pathway for electrified mobility, offering an experience that aligns with its legacy of excellence. While other automakers are navigating the EV landscape, Mercedes-Benz is already setting the standard, demonstrating what it means to drive—and charge—in style.

Many firsts on the sites, leveraging technology and Mercedes-Benz legacy is to be well appreciated.

As we advance, I extend my gratitude to the team who braved the early hours @ 7:30AM of a chilly Atlanta morning. Join us in this journey towards a cleaner, more electrified future.

Participants :?? Cory Hewett ?? Jeffrey B. (Jeff) Cohen?? Rob Thomas?? Cheikh B Diop?? George Goodfellow?? Julian Felipe Arbelaez?? Linwei Zhang ?? Amanda Painter ?? Sebastian Noetzel

Reference & more details :

https://www.mbusa.com/en/ev-charging-stations

https://media.mbusa.com/releases/release-6fa9f2f0c2798f6e5409e93ab63b7461-mercedes-benz-launches-first-ev-charging-hub-in-north-america-network-aims-to-deliver-a-fast-reliable-premium-charging-experience-for-drivers-of-all-ev-brands