[darylp310]

Although not directly related to BMW, I saw this video yesterday showing off Mercedes luxury EV charging stations. As high end German auto owners, I thought us BMW people would be interested to discuss this.

As someone who exclusively uses DC fast charging, I would pay a heavy premium for such a nice charging location.

- clean location
- restrooms
- snacks
- most importantly, they have a reservation system (so you can book a charging slot ahead of time)

Overall, it's a very thoughtful design that meets the needs to us luxury car buyers!!

Mercedes will be opening to all vehicles, so I hope to try it out with my iX one day!!

[NomoTesla]

As someone who exclusively uses DC fast charging, you should probably read this because you are accelerating the degradation/wear of your battery and probably cutting its life by half.

[darylp310]

Originally Posted by NomoTesla

As someone who exclusively uses DC fast charging, you should probably read this because you are accelerating the degradation/wear of your battery and probably cutting its life by half.

I love you NomoTesla. Never change buddy!

[26theone]

Originally Posted by darylp310

- most importantly, they have a reservation system (so you can book a charging slot ahead of time)

If you have a Mercedes EV, right?

Crazy it took the manufacturers to build these sites.

[darylp310]

Originally Posted by 26theone

If you have a Mercedes EV, right?

Nope. But my thinking is that it's such a good idea, that it should become part of the DC fast charging standard. They should add this standard to NACS so it can be supported by all EV manufacturers across all charging networks.

Crazy it took the manufacturers to build these sites.

On the surface it seems crazy. But honestly, the manufactures have a lot more to gain by having nice charging. It's why Tesla originally had to build out their network and provide free charging. And I think in the case of luxury manufacturers like Audi/BMW/Mercedes, (and Rivian too) it's really hurts their brand if people have a terrible charging experience. We're paying extra for our BMWs because they are "nice" and the charging experience should be commensurate!

[iXLagrange]

Originally Posted by darylp310

....But honestly, the manufactures have a lot more to gain by having nice charging. It's why Tesla originally had to build out their network and provide free charging. And I think in the case of luxury manufacturers like Audi/BMW/Mercedes, (and Rivian too) it's really hurts their brand if people have a terrible charging experience. We're paying extra for our BMWs because they are "nice" and the charging experience should be commensurate!

Actually BMW, GM, Honda, Mercedes and others are building their own charging network (see link), we can only hope they outlets are all as nice as the MB one in Atlanta.

https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/26/2...arging-network

[Barry123]

Did Ford, GM, etc. build their own of gas stations in the early days?

I don't understand why the oil companies aren't jumping on board. Are they following the Kodak head-in-sand business model? I don't get it.

[Road Trip]

Shell is starting too. Loves already has more than a few and we just heard today (no more info than that) that there will be others.

[FLEVGuy]

Originally Posted by darylp310

Although not directly related to BMW, I saw this video yesterday showing off Mercedes luxury EV charging stations. As high end German auto owners, I thought us BMW people would be interested to discuss this.

Mercedes will be opening to all vehicles, so I hope to try it out with my iX one day!!

Kyle's review was one of the reasons I got the iX. He and Alex had great things to say about this car... This charging center (I hope) could be the future...I, too, would pay for this service...

[iXLagrange]

Originally Posted by Barry123

Did Ford, GM, etc. build their own of gas stations in the early days?

I don't understand why the oil companies aren't jumping on board. Are they following the Kodak head-in-sand business model? I don't get it.

I saw an article on your second point: it noted that gas station profit margins are tuned to throughput at the pump and the convenience store. And since throughput drops from say ten sales per hour to maybe two when a pump is replaced by a charger, so does income. Also oil companies must purchase power and pass it on with little control of profit. That is why they are not interested. That said some independent outlets do have both pumps and chargers, but they have not reduced the number of pumps, rather they put the chargers in the parking lot.

[Barry123]

Originally Posted by iXLagrange

I saw an article on your second point: it noted that gas station profit margins are tuned to throughput at the pump and the convenience store. And since throughput drops from say ten sales per hour to maybe two when a pump is replaced by a charger, so does income. Also oil companies must purchase power and pass it on with little control of profit. That is why they are not interested. That said some independent outlets do have both pumps and chargers, but they have not reduced the number of pumps, rather they put the chargers in the parking lot.

I'm certainly not claiming to be representative of the overall population, but when I got gas, I virtually never went into the store. When charging I typically do because it takes much longer.

[26theone]

Originally Posted by Barry123

I'm certainly not claiming to be representative of the overall population, but when I got gas, I virtually never went into the store. When charging I typically do because it takes much longer.

Yeah the C store is the profit center. Gas pumps are just a hook to get you into the store. Overall the model will change though since in the 'burbs you charge at home and dont need the C store at all. For road trips we have giant C stores on major highways like Bucees and Tesla has already partnered with them and MBUSA announced they are partnering with Bucees also along with Simon malls.

[ilya4min]

Originally Posted by iXLagrange

I saw an article on your second point: it noted that gas station profit margins are tuned to throughput at the pump and the convenience store. And since throughput drops from say ten sales per hour to maybe two when a pump is replaced by a charger, so does income. Also oil companies must purchase power and pass it on with little control of profit. That is why they are not interested. That said some independent outlets do have both pumps and chargers, but they have not reduced the number of pumps, rather they put the chargers in the parking lot.

This math only works for situations when the pumps are 100% occupied. In reality, most gas stations are free most of the time. I hope that gas station owners will realize this eventually, and start leaning more into providing value-added services for those EV drivers who have 15-25 minutes to kill.

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by Road Trip

Shell is starting too. Loves already has more than a few and we just heard today (no more info than that) that there will be others.

We're talking US, but Shell has been ramping up for some time in the EU (but also worldwide). Just not (quite) as fancy...

[Kennethjk]

Originally Posted by darylp310

I love you NomoTesla. Never change buddy!

There are studies all over the place. One below

“Some studies, such as Geotabs' research from 2020, found that over two years, fast charging more than three times a month increased battery degradation by 0.1 percent compared to drivers who never used fast charging.Feb 24, 2023”

I am sure there are others that show more.

Based on real feedback from members on another forum, Mustang, some people DCFC a lot, the degradation seems to be minimal at least based on what a OBDII shows when looking at the SOH of the battery.

Just some more info.

[Bizarreamid]

Thanks for sharing about those Mercedes luxury EV charging stations. Even though it's not directly BMW-related, it's cool to see what other high-end German auto brands are up to in the EV space. Reminds me of a road trip I took last summer. I was cruising along, enjoying the scenery, when suddenly my electric BMW needed a charge. Thankfully, I stumbled upon a commercial EV charging station that was just what I needed. It was sleek, easy to use, and got me back on the road in no time. So, hearing about these Mercedes stations definitely piques my interest.

[Kennethjk]

I just drove hoe to NY from Boca Raton and stopped at a Bucees and use the MB charger, worked great, I think they are ChargePoint. All of them worked on both sides of the chargers compared to a few EA chargers that were a shit show

[JSTARR]

Does anyone know if there are any USA
stations in the pipeline, and if so what the scheule will be?
Seen a video of one in Europe; looks like a nice place for a charge & to hang out a bit.

[Paladin1]

There's this one in Atlanta (above):

https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/15/...ta-chargepoint

And these in the pipe (400), but not many specifics except "in key cities and along major highways":

https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/5/23...stations-build

[Jd19]

Similarly, it would be awesome if Amex would introduce Centurion Charging Lounges along major interstate routes. Same with Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One, etc.

[Pictor]

Originally Posted by Jd19

Similarly, it would be awesome if Amex would introduce Centurion Charging Lounges along major interstate routes. Same with Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One, etc.

Interesting thought. I'm not sure this aligns with their brand but it would be nice.

What may align with their portfolio is to work with their Hotel Collection partners to ensure there are Level2 destination chargers at all these hotels with possibly some benefit to Platinum card holders.