Mercedes-Benz has signed two new deals to expand their electric vehicle (EV) charging network in North America. The German automaker has recently revealed plans to collaborate with Simon Property Group, a leading mall and retail giant, and Buc-ee’s, the renowned Texas-based travel center chain.
The partnership with Simon involves the deployment of fast chargers at “no less than” 55 retail locations across Canada and the United States. No specific locations were provided, but according to the Simon Property Group website, they currently have four locations across Canada, including the Premium Outlet Collection at the Edmonton International Airport, Premium Outlets Montreal, Toronto Premium Outlets, and Vancouver Designer Outlet.
The chargers will offer up to 400 kilowatts of output, powered entirely by renewable energy, according to Mercedes-Benz.
“We are committed to building EV charging sites across the Simon portfolio. Moreover, we look forward to continuing that growth with Mercedes-Benz, a brand that shares our vision to deliver best-in-class experiences for customers and for the communities that we serve,” said Chip Harding, Senior Vice President of Simon Media & Experiences.
The German automaker is also teaming up with Buc-ee’s to bring fast EV charging to major transit routes in the southern and southeastern regions of the US. Approximately 30 charging centers are expected to be operational at Buc-ee’s locations by the end of 2024, with plans for further expansion. The charging stations will be placed along highways like I-75 and I-95 ensures accessibility for drivers on popular travel routes.
“Within a remarkably short period, we’ve made significant strides towards opening several charging hubs at Buc-ee’s travel centers. Buc-ee’s strategic locations along major travel routes, combined with their commitment to clean and accessible amenities, aligns perfectly with our vision. Together, we’re not only providing exceptional value but also redefining the EV charging experience for drivers nationwide,” said Andrew Cornelia, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC NA.
These charging stations will be open to all EVs, and not restricted to Mercedes models.
The new charging partnerships will help Mercedes-Benz reach their broader goal of expanding its charging network globally, with plans to install over 2,000 fast charging points worldwide by the end of next year.
While the company is building out their own EV charging network, they will also be leveraging Tesla’s charging technology after agreeing to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) starting in 2025.
