Buc-ee’s is known for many things: having more than 100 gas pumps at rest stops, beaver-shaped chicken nuggets, and adorable merchandise. The travel centers serve as beacons of American prosperity and the car-reliant infrastructure.
However, we owe the company more credit. Buc-ee’s is one of the most electric vehicle (EV)-friendly gas stations in the country. Its deal with Mercedes-Benz for charging hubs has increased many travelers’ ability to charge affordably and comfortably.
Fast Company’s recent profile on Buc-ee’s as an EV charging haven paints a much different picture than previous stereotypes suggest. The rest stop chain is popular among Southern states, which are known to contain “EV charging deserts,” according to a Mercedes-Benz press release. That hasn’t stopped Buc-ee’s from recognizing the changing auto market and moving accordingly.
In November 2023, Mercedes announced that Buc-ee’s had agreed to become part of the German auto group’s North American charging network. The deal will see more than $1 billion invested in the construction of these hubs.
Photo Courtesy Newswire
The stations will be powered by 100% clean power. They are open to all EVs, and Mercedes offers other amenities, such as a lounge to hang out in while charging. The automaker’s first hub opened in Sandy Springs, Georgia, near Mercedes’ North American headquarters. A solar canopy hangs over the chargers, with LED lighting that generates passive electricity.
Buc-ee’s is also adding Tesla Superchargers to several locations. Tesla is setting up shop in Austin, Texas — one state with a sizable Buc-ee’s presence and many EVs on the road. Texas currently ranks fourth in public EV charging and the highest clean energy producer in the U.S.
The Texas Triangle of Dallas-Forth Worth, Houston, and San Antonio is expected to benefit from Buc-ee’s EV charger deals. Around 68% of Texas’s population lives in this area, and there are 34 Buc-ee’s in Texas alone.
Only 48 stations are open, stretching from the Lone Star state to Georgia. Mercedes says 30 charging hubs will go online before the end of the year.
“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,” Franz Reiner, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, said in November 2023 statement. “These efforts will pave the way for greater EV adoption here in North America and around the world.”
Photo Courtesy Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes told Fast Company they have no issues partnering with a rest stop synonymous with gas-powered cars and less glamorous parts of the country. However, the company insists that the partnership is to expand EV charging access, one aspect of EV ownership that still holds American consumers back from making the switch from internal combustion engines.
Buc-ee’s also recognizes the convenience of having charging stations next to gas pumps, allowing all motorists to refuel and recharge in all senses of the term. Mercedes also thinks having EV technology near traditional gas pumps will help people understand charging is not that different from topping off the tank.
“With the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network in North America, we aim to set a new standard for a quality charging experience for the entire industry,” Andrew Cornelia, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, said in a press release. “Our driver-first network will deliver some of the fastest charging speeds and will be openly accessible to all EV drivers from day one.”
