Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging just opened more DC fast chargers at Buc-ee’s stores in the Dallas-Forth Worth area.

Three new Mercedes DC fast charging stations are at Buc-ee’s in Fort Worth, Temple, and Royse City. Mercedes asserts that every one of its chargers offers up to 400 kW of power.

It’s also adding 12 more charging stations at Buc-ee’s in the Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston metro areas – also known as the Texas Triangle, home to 68% of Texans:

Buc-ee’s isn’t your typical convenience store – they’re huge, with some stores covering over 50,000 square feet, and they offer a wide variety of items, including snacks, beverages, fresh food, clothing, home decor, and Texas-themed merchandise. It’s known for its homemade fudge, jerky, and beaver nuggets (caramel-coated corn puffs). Most Buc-ee’s locations are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In November 2023, Mercedes announced it had made an agreement with Buc-ee’s to build EV charging hubs at most of its existing stores. Mercedes is aiming to have around 30 online by the end of the year. There are currently 48 Buc-ee’s locations across the US South, 34 of which are in Texas.

When I spoke to Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging CEO Andrew Cornelia last year, he was passionate about the importance of placing EV chargers near amenities that travelers need.

Mercedes offers open access for all EV drivers, including roaming with other charging networks. Its charging hubs support contactless payments with credit cards or smartphone wallets.

The first Mercedes DC fast charging station came online last November at its headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Mercedes-Benz plans to deploy 2,500 high-powered chargers in 400 hubs by 2027.

Texas is the US’s No. 1 producer of clean energy and ranks fourth in public EV charging. However, to meet driver demand, the state needs around 95,000 more public chargers by 2027.

Read more: America, Mercedes-Benz wants you to indulge in retail therapy while you’re DC fast charging

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Another EV stock may be removed from the Nasdaq exchange. After failing to file its annual report, Polestar (PSNY) received a notice from the Nasdaq as the company faces a possible de-listing.

Polestar, Volvo’s former high-performance unit, was established as an EV brand in 2017 under Geely’s control.

Since launching the Polestar 2, its first all-electric vehicle, the brand has expanded into 27 markets globally. The electric car has even become a top seller in several key markets like Norway, Sweden, and Germany.

However, like many EV startups, Polestar has hit its fair share of hurdles. After cutting guidance late last year (from 80K to 60K), Polestar still missed its target, delivering 54,600 vehicles last year.

In February, Volvo announced plans to sell 62.7% of its stake in Polestar as it looks toward its next growth stage. Volvo also confirmed it will “not provide further funding to Polestar” outside of its existing $1 billion outstanding convertible loan.

The news came after Polestar announced plans to cut 15% of its global workforce amid slowing EV sales earlier this year.

Polestar stock facing potential Nasdaq de-listing

After failing to file its annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, Polestar received a deficiency notice from the Nasdaq.

The notice states Polestar is not in compliance with its listing rules, which require the timely filing of periodic financial reports.

Polestar said the notice has no immediate impact on the company’s listing. However, under the Nasdaq listing rules, Polestar has 60 days to submit an action plan. If Nasdaq accepts it, Polestar could be issued an additional 180 days from the notice date, or until November 2024, to regain compliance.

The company has already received consent from lenders under its nearly $1 billion 3-year loan facility for the late filing. Polestar says it is fully committed to regaining compliance.

Polestar is working to file the annual report “as soon as practicable” and to report Q1 2024 earnings shortly after.

Polestar stock was down over 13% on Monday following the potential de-listing notice. PSNY shares are now down over 50% this year, hitting their lowest prices since going public.

Launched as a joint venture between Toyota Group and Tier 1 supplier Hexagon Purus, the new Tern brand of heavy duty electric trucks announced Hino Trucks as its exclusive US distributor.

Another Toyota Group brand, Hino Trucks nevertheless brings a nationwide network of more than 200 heavy truck dealers (and their customers) to the new JV with Hexagon, which is specifically focused on electrifying “practical” commercial vehicle applications.

Glenn Ellis, President and CEO of Hino Trucks, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “Our collaboration with Hexagon Purus introduces a highly reliable Class 8, 4×2 tractor option into the electric truck market, catering to a wide range of applications,” he explained. “We are excited to be the exclusive distributor for Tern with an initial distribution focus in California, where fleet electrification is imperative.”

Tern RC8 electric semi

The new Tern RC8 electric truck offers a 68,000 lb. GVWR, 680 peak horsepower electric motor (494 continuous), a 200 mile range, and the ability to go from 0-80% charge in less than two hours at 240 kW. Energy comes from dual Hexagon Purus Gen3 269kWh battery packs in a 750-volt, 538 kWh configuration.

The announcement coincides with California’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, and was made today at the ACT Expo, which is taking place this year in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Serial production for the Tern RC8 is scheduled to begin later this year.

Electrek’s Take

It’s hard to act surprised that a Toyota brand is going to be supported by Toyota’s existing dealer network, but it’s worth noting that, while Toyota is marketing/lobbying against EVs on the one hand, it’s quietly investing big bucks into battery electric on the other.

My guess: as soon as Toyota has a viable BEV on the market, they’ll “suddenly” realize that BEVs were the way to go all along. #bet