How would YOU grade (1-10) this Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging location at Buc-ee's?? What would you add or change to create a more enjoyable charging experience? Join this conversation below!
I would love to be near a Buc-ees charging station. They look great. I live in California with a Taycan and would love to test that power output. Also love to try a brisket sandwich and we love the Costco Rotisserie Chicken of course 😊
ngl, 69kWh in 40 mins ain’t bad. Also, those Alpi 400kW chargers are pretty slick. Hope to see more of those units out west soon. As far as Bucee’s goes, their existence proves that the 5 Minute Fill Up for gas cars is a myth. Ain’t nobody going to Bucee’s for 5 minutes.
Thanks for tuning in! I was very pleased with the charging rate. Hopefully the unique oil-cooled cables make this curve possible in the dog days of summer.
Wow! That in dash app integration was pretty sweet. Thx for demonstrating. I agree, the matte screen is helpful for ones out in the open like that. Super fun video to watch. Thanks for bringing to us. Buc-ees rules the interstate. I love that MB HPC is setting up shop. Such a premium place to stop, charge, & shop.
Took me forever to even get that tab to not show an error message! All I had to do was sign out of Android, then sign back in! First time I have gotten to use it because the only Chargepoint DCFC in NW Arkansas are Walmart and use the custom back-end extension with the Walmart app.
Nice report. I was at that Buccees last April but there were no EV charging facilities built yet, nice to know they are there now. Doesn’t look there is much charging opportunity between Springfield and Bentonville, that’s probably due to there not being an Interstate highway between the two cities, unless you want to drive a hundred miles out of the way on I-44 and I-49. This is another indication there REALLY needs to be a focus on US and State highways for charging going forward.
It is an EV desert from AR up to Springfield for sure. Tesla awarded a SC site in Branson in 2023 and it still isn't built. Branson is a tourist trap begging for charging. It really is crazy we don't see that filling in yet with chargers. Springfield got the benefit of the buildout this year with Flying J, and Bucees sites on I-44.
@ Tesla was awarded 2 NEVI sites by the State of Oklahoma to be built along I-40 between Oklahoma City and Fort Smith, but Tesla has backed out of those sites because a stipulation by the State for those sites was that they have Magic Docks. Tesla said no Magic Docks. So I-40 for almost 200 miles is still a Tesla desert. I am amazed there is no charging in the Branson area. But again, that is because Branson is not served by an Interstate highway
@7:42, I think the ones with deeper stalls are for MB eSprinters is what I heard from one of the installers in wave one last year around this time. They need to nose in a bit more.
Makes perfect sense! I have not encountered too many of those so it never crossed my mind. A vehicle that large can likely drink the electrons and can benefit immensely from dedicated power! Thanks for the info!
Yes, most sites have a dedicated (longer) van stall and dedicated ADA stall. The latter needs to be installed with single dispenser units, otherwise does not fulfill ada requirement
"Welcome to the Arkansas eTraveler, reporting from Missouri!" 😀 Thanks for the site review! I can't wait to finally get to test out one of these Alpitronic Hyperchargers. I'm assuming my ChargePoint RFID card would work on these Mercedes chargers.
That I-44 corridor in SW Missouri is very well covered by multiple DCFC CPOs! It's so intriguing to me that this stretch has an embarrassment of riches, but nearby corridors are bone dry. But, fate loves irony so Maroon 5's hit song applies to me "I am in Missouri".
I just passed through there yesterday on a 2k mile road trip in my Mach e and used the Tesla at $.42 with no $50 hold. No brainer for me. It's all the same electricity at 150kw max, limited by the vehicle. I'm taking the cheaper pump. Not really a fan of Buckey's but it is a key location on I-44 and the restrooms are clean.
@TheArkansaseTraveler Hopefully competition does its thing as more charging opportunities open up. Also glad I got out of there before the ice and snow moved in. It was my first winter road trip with temps in the teens. By the looks of it, it would have been slow going back to Michigan just 24 hours later than when we passed through. Thanks for posting the review.
I ran down there when Walter reported the site was open to get some pics for him. Those MB chargers are in a better location than the Tesla ones due to all th traffic trying to get in an out of there. The cost is too high. However if the Tesla SC gets full you could always jump over to these. I have to do the same thing. I only go to Springfield to do my Costco run! I stopped by the Flying J and that was 65 cents per kw! Tesla is the charging bargain.
Oh wow! Hope to see you on I-49 or I-44! My usual charging on a Costco run is home, then the original Tesla Supercharger in Joplin. It recently dropped to $.33/kWh and I'm a sucker for a cherry Icee at the adjoined K&G.
1000% agree with your implication here. The newest players in the space are adding canopies somewhat routinely, but I'm a little frustrated that a premium brand like Mercedes-Benz did not add them to create a premium experience! Maybe they'll come later because they have been proven to extend the life of the dispenser.
No other car even so much as glanced at the chargers while I was there. I could have towed a 10’ flatbed trailer and parked across half of the stalls as a pull through and it wouldn’t have caused a problem.
Just about saving that money that’s all . One choice are fine but being that you only charge 150 no benefits of paying more for the 400 kW charger. BChoice is nice but saving money is nicer.
@ haha, I only sigh because I mentioned the rationale for paying more that day in the video. I’m a Tesla member myself and use them routinely! Thank you for watching!
@ no worries . First trying to get you some engagement to help you build :) comments help . I did get it but justified it with pure cost . Money in wallet . To get some contrarian views to help boost you . More engagement makes the algorithm happy . But that was expensive !
How would YOU grade (1-10) this Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging location at Buc-ee's?? What would you add or change to create a more enjoyable charging experience? Join this conversation below!
I would love to be near a Buc-ees charging station. They look great. I live in California with a Taycan and would love to test that power output. Also love to try a brisket sandwich and we love the Costco Rotisserie Chicken of course 😊
It's Alpitronic, so you know it's good.
Cool - Nice demo of a charging session at a Buc-ee's. Thank you.
Of course! Thanks for watching!
ngl, 69kWh in 40 mins ain’t bad. Also, those Alpi 400kW chargers are pretty slick. Hope to see more of those units out west soon. As far as Bucee’s goes, their existence proves that the 5 Minute Fill Up for gas cars is a myth. Ain’t nobody going to Bucee’s for 5 minutes.
Thanks for tuning in! I was very pleased with the charging rate. Hopefully the unique oil-cooled cables make this curve possible in the dog days of summer.
Wow! That in dash app integration was pretty sweet. Thx for demonstrating. I agree, the matte screen is helpful for ones out in the open like that. Super fun video to watch. Thanks for bringing to us. Buc-ees rules the interstate. I love that MB HPC is setting up shop. Such a premium place to stop, charge, & shop.
Took me forever to even get that tab to not show an error message! All I had to do was sign out of Android, then sign back in! First time I have gotten to use it because the only Chargepoint DCFC in NW Arkansas are Walmart and use the custom back-end extension with the Walmart app.
I was actually there about a month ago. I had come to check out the V4 chargers with my Equinox EV, but those chargers were great, too!
Thank you for this content. I like the red Blazer. I have a red Ioniq6. I was at Buc-ees in Florence SC last March. It was nice.
Thank you for watching! I’m a Buc-ee’s fan as well and enjoy their unique stops.
Nice report. I was at that Buccees last April but there were no EV charging facilities built yet, nice to know they are there now. Doesn’t look there is much charging opportunity between Springfield and Bentonville, that’s probably due to there not being an Interstate highway between the two cities, unless you want to drive a hundred miles out of the way on I-44 and I-49. This is another indication there REALLY needs to be a focus on US and State highways for charging going forward.
It is an EV desert from AR up to Springfield for sure. Tesla awarded a SC site in Branson in 2023 and it still isn't built. Branson is a tourist trap begging for charging. It really is crazy we don't see that filling in yet with chargers. Springfield got the benefit of the buildout this year with Flying J, and Bucees sites on I-44.
@ Tesla was awarded 2 NEVI sites by the State of Oklahoma to be built along I-40 between Oklahoma City and Fort Smith, but Tesla has backed out of those sites because a stipulation by the State for those sites was that they have Magic Docks. Tesla said no Magic Docks. So I-40 for almost 200 miles is still a Tesla desert. I am amazed there is no charging in the Branson area. But again, that is because Branson is not served by an Interstate highway
@7:42, I think the ones with deeper stalls are for MB eSprinters is what I heard from one of the installers in wave one last year around this time. They need to nose in a bit more.
Makes perfect sense! I have not encountered too many of those so it never crossed my mind. A vehicle that large can likely drink the electrons and can benefit immensely from dedicated power! Thanks for the info!
Yes, most sites have a dedicated (longer) van stall and dedicated ADA stall. The latter needs to be installed with single dispenser units, otherwise does not fulfill ada requirement
@12:25 BINGO! Those are my go to also. Yummy!!!
The PERFECT roadtrip snack!!
"Welcome to the Arkansas eTraveler, reporting from Missouri!" 😀 Thanks for the site review! I can't wait to finally get to test out one of these Alpitronic Hyperchargers. I'm assuming my ChargePoint RFID card would work on these Mercedes chargers.
That I-44 corridor in SW Missouri is very well covered by multiple DCFC CPOs! It's so intriguing to me that this stretch has an embarrassment of riches, but nearby corridors are bone dry. But, fate loves irony so Maroon 5's hit song applies to me "I am in Missouri".
I just passed through there yesterday on a 2k mile road trip in my Mach e and used the Tesla at $.42 with no $50 hold. No brainer for me. It's all the same electricity at 150kw max, limited by the vehicle. I'm taking the cheaper pump. Not really a fan of Buckey's but it is a key location on I-44 and the restrooms are clean.
Totally get that. I’d be at the Supercharger too if not for making this video.
@TheArkansaseTraveler Hopefully competition does its thing as more charging opportunities open up. Also glad I got out of there before the ice and snow moved in. It was my first winter road trip with temps in the teens. By the looks of it, it would have been slow going back to Michigan just 24 hours later than when we passed through. Thanks for posting the review.
If both chargers are used only 200kw available..
400kw shared between both outputs
I ran down there when Walter reported the site was open to get some pics for him. Those MB chargers are in a better location than the Tesla ones due to all th traffic trying to get in an out of there. The cost is too high. However if the Tesla SC gets full you could always jump over to these. I have to do the same thing. I only go to Springfield to do my Costco run! I stopped by the Flying J and that was 65 cents per kw! Tesla is the charging bargain.
Oh wow! Hope to see you on I-49 or I-44! My usual charging on a Costco run is home, then the original Tesla Supercharger in Joplin. It recently dropped to $.33/kWh and I'm a sucker for a cherry Icee at the adjoined K&G.
My only question is why aren't the chargers covered the way gas is?
1000% agree with your implication here. The newest players in the space are adding canopies somewhat routinely, but I'm a little frustrated that a premium brand like Mercedes-Benz did not add them to create a premium experience! Maybe they'll come later because they have been proven to extend the life of the dispenser.
There aren't many EV charging stops that are covered. I have seen a few at the Flying J locations in Oklahoma that do have a cover.
Canopies need landlord approval. If they don’t allow them, you can’t build canopies.
@@TheArkansaseTraveler the MB charging location in Sandy Springs does have a canopy.
@ And lounge! That flagship location really sets the bar, but Ionna seems to be trying to meet it!
Shouldn't you be using the other charger handle so that someone else could use the one you plugged in ? Other than that concern, it was a good video.
No other car even so much as glanced at the chargers while I was there. I could have towed a 10’ flatbed trailer and parked across half of the stalls as a pull through and it wouldn’t have caused a problem.
The fastest charging EV is by the way Taycan, Porsche Taycan,,,,
You should have charged up the Tesla supercharger. It’s so much cheaper.
@@roydelpozo4816 *sigh*
Just about saving that money that’s all . One choice are fine but being that you only charge 150 no benefits of paying more for the 400 kW charger. BChoice is nice but saving money is nicer.
@ haha, I only sigh because I mentioned the rationale for paying more that day in the video. I’m a Tesla member myself and use them routinely! Thank you for watching!
@ no worries . First trying to get you some engagement to help you build :) comments help . I did get it but justified it with pure cost . Money in wallet . To get some contrarian views to help boost you . More engagement makes the algorithm happy . But that was expensive !
@@TheArkansaseTraveler
In my defense you did want to see it in the comments :)