100 Starbucks Stores Get High Speed Charging
Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging has already made waves by opening a number of its own-brand EV fast charging stations, and by partnering with Buc-Ee’s to install high-speed chargers along highly-travelled corridors across the U.S. Now, the company is partnering with Starbucks to expand its high-speed charging network at 100 Starbucks stores along the west coast.
Connecting Canada and Mexico Via the West Coast
Accessible to drivers of all EVs, but with special benefits for Mercedes drivers, the new charging stations will be located along the I-5 corridor, which stretches from the Canadian border at the north to the Mexican border to the south. Each station, co-located with an easily-accessible Starbucks store, will have multiple 400-kW EV fast chargers, which at this time is the fastest charging speed in the industry. Depending on an EV’s capability to fast charge, a 10 to 80 percent boost could be completed in as little as 15 or 20 minutes – the perfect amount of time to grab a cup of coffee.
The new charging stations will contribute to the sustainability strategies of both Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks. The coffee company has a goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 50 percent before 2030, and over 1,000 Starbucks locations are already located close to EV chargers.
Mercedes-Benz Charging Network
Mercedes-Benz is also committed to electrification. The High-Power Charging division opened its first branded charging location in November 2023 – the first salvo of a $1 billion investment in building a charging network across North America. Mercedes already has fast-charging locations in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky – many of them co-located with popular Buc-Ee’s locations. In the next 12-18 months, not only will 100 Starbucks-located chargers open along the west coast, but Mercedes expects to have chargers in half of all U.S. states.
“The collaboration between two leading brands like Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks will uplift the charging experience for all EV drivers,” said Andrew Cornelia, CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging. “Together, we seek to infuse delight into this facet of EV ownership through intentional experiences that make drivers genuinely excited to plug in. We envision a future where charging your vehicle is as easy as enjoying your favorite Starbucks.”
“At Starbucks, we have a long history of bringing renewable and clean energy projects to connect communities that lack the infrastructure,” added Michael Kobori, Starbucks’ Chief Sustainability Officer. “Partnering with Mercedes is the next step in expanding our EV charging offerings so our customers can refuel sustainably while they enjoy Starbucks.”
Powered By Clean Energy
Like the new Mercedes chargers at Buc-Ee’s, the Starbucks charging locations will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy as part of Mercedes’ plans to reach carbon neutrality across its entire fleet and value chain by 2039.
