New DC fast-charging stations are on the way in North America thanks to a new partnership, as Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will be built at Simon locations. Mercedes-Benz has announced a strategic new relationship with Simon, a real estate investment trust engaged in premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations, to deploy DC fast-charging stations at some Simon locations in the United States.

As we know, Mercedes-Benz is building a network of premium EV charging hubs with a plan to have over 2,000 sites globally by the end of 2024 (and more than 10,000 by 2030). In North America, the project is run by the Mercedes-Benz HPC North America LLC (Mercedes-Benz HPC NA) subsidiary, with a plan to deploy more than 400 sites with more than 2,500 individual stalls by 2030. The first stations are to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2023.

With a goal to offer fast, reliable, safe charging infrastructure for all EVs – “where EV drivers are and where they want to travel” – located close to attractive amenities, Mercedes-Benz intends to install its stations at no less than 55 Simon retail properties.

According to the press release, the strategic alliance between Mercedes-Benz and Simon will also include two additional elements related to the promotion of Mercedes EVs:

• Placement of Mercedes-Benz advertising across Simon’s out-of-home media infrastructure; and,
• Utilization of Simon centers for Mercedes-Benz vehicle launches, vehicle displays, and test-drive opportunities where drivers already go to shop, live, work, and play.

The Mercedes-Benz Charging Hubs are expected to offer high-power chargers that are compatible with both CCS1 and NACS charging standards.

Separately, Mercedes-Benz –together with six other OEMs– announced a joint venture to expand North American charging infrastructure with a new (not yet named) network. Additionally, the German brand officially announced the upcoming switch to the NACS charging connector in 2025 and access to the Tesla Supercharging network.

Another render of a location on the Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network.

Andrew Cornelia, the President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America LLC, expressed his enthusiasm for the alliance, stating:

“We’re thrilled to announce this alliance with Simon, who has consistently set benchmarks in customer service delivering excellence in the retail experience across its properties nationwide. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering a high-quality charging experience to every driver – which extends beyond the vehicle and to the amenities and experiences that drivers can access while they charge.”

Chip Harding, the Senior Vice President of Simon Media & Experiences, is pleased with the addition of the premier brand Mercedes-Benz to Simon’s EV charging providers, stating:

“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.”