Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, which is a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and MN8 Energy, inaugurated its first Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub at the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz USA in Sandy Springs, Ga.

The hub is the first of a network of premium electric vehicle charging stations planned across North America by Mercedes-Benz HPC NA.

In a news release, the company said the launch of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network “sets a new standard for fast, convenient, clean and reliable EV charging, while promoting EV adoption by expanding the North American public charging map for all brands of EVs.”

The new hub represents the first step in Mercedes’ commitment to invest more $1 billion on at least 400 charging hubs featuring 2,500 chargers across North America by the end of the decade.

Mercedes said the hub includes features that make it a “benchmark for standalone charging hubs.”

400kW chargers: The ChargePoint equipment can charge up to 400kW, some of the fastest charging speeds in the industry.

All brands: Drivers of EVs from any brand can charge their vehicle.

Charging lounge: Customers have a “premium, clean and comfortable environment” while their vehicle charges, including couches and lounge chairs, vending machines, refreshments and restroom facilities.

Solar canopy: Provides weather cover for customers, overhead LED lighting for safety and solar panels on top to generate passive clean electricity.

Intelligent indicators: A 15-foot-tall pylon, visible from the street, indicates whether the charging stall is in use, free or reserved.

Accessibility: The hub includes a charging spot closest to the charging lounge designed especially for handicap-accessible vehicles, and one uncovered drive-through charging spot designed for electric vans or EVs with trailers up to 26 feet long.

Powered by clean energy: Through both direct and indirect means, the charging hub uses renewable energy and is carbon neutral.

“The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network expands global charging options for customers of all EV brands to promote clean, electric mobility,” Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG chairman Franz Reiner said. “In North America, our strategy is clear: focusing on where EV drivers are and where they are going to enhance the North American EV charging map while setting new standards for quality and customer experience.”

To that end, Mercedes-Benz HPC NA recently announced agreements with retail outlets Simon and Buc-ee’s. The company said hubs will open at several Buc-ee’s travel centers in Texas, Florida, Alabama and Georgia by the end of 2023, with expansion to more Buc-ee’s and Simon stores in 2024.

MN8 Energy president and CEO Jon Yoder said in their goal of building “an unparalleled charging experience,” MN8 and Mercedes “shared a vision of bringing the decarbonized future faster.

“The incredible speed with which we’ve made that vision a reality, demonstrated by the inauguration of the charging experience here at Mercedes-Benz USA Headquarters and the sites that will follow later this year, is a testament to the strength of our purpose and outstanding abilities of our teams,” he said.