Mercedes-Benz HPC North America LLC has signed an agreement with Buc-ee’s to create electric vehicle charging stations at most of Buc-ee’s locations by the end of 2024.
Work on the charging hubs is already underway, with some to be open by year’s end.
“Mercedes-Benz HPC North America’s collaboration with Buc-ee’s represents an important moment in our pursuit of a national charging network that sets a new standard in both convenience and quality,” said Andrew Cornelia, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC NA. “Buc-ee’s strategic locations along major travel routes, combined with their commitment to clean and accessible amenities, aligns perfectly with our vision.”
Texas-based Buc-ee’s began expanding into multiple states in 2019 and has opened travel centers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee, with more to come in Missouri, Mississippi, and Colorado, plus additional locations in the states it already serves. In Alabama, the convenience store has locations in Athens, Auburn, Leeds and Loxley.
“Buc-ee’s values people and partnerships. Our new collaboration with Mercedes-Benz HPC North America will continue our traditions of elevated customer convenience and excellent service that have won the hearts, trust and business of millions in the South for more than 40 years,” said Jeff Nadalo, Buc-ee’s general counsel.
At the beginning of 2023, Mercedes-Benz announced its plan to launch a global high-power charging network across North America, Europe, China and other key markets. Its goal is to deploy 400 charging stations and more than 2,500 high-power chargers across North America by the end of the decade.
With the collaboration with Buc-ee’s, Mercedes-Benz can integrate sustainable charging, using 100% renewable energy, into the background of EV driver’s lives. Mercedes-Benz HPC North America is a joint venture of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Investment Co. LLP and MN8 Energy. MN8 Energy owns and operates nearly 900 renewable energy projects across 28 states and will develop and operate the EV charging stations that form the Mercedes-Benz PC North American network.
Mercedes-Benz has multiple facilities in Alabama. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance produces several SUVs including the electric EQE and EQS. The company also has a battery assembly plant in Bibb County.