Mercedes-Benz to Install 400kW EV Chargers at Starbucks Along Interstate 5
Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks are teaming up to bring fast electric vehicle chargers to 100 Starbucks locations along Interstate 5, which stretches from Canada to Mexico. This initiative is part of Mercedes-Benz’s $1 billion plan to build 2,000 new EV charging hubs worldwide.
Project Highlights of Partnership Between Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks
Charging Stations: The chargers will offer 400kW charging speeds, provided by ChargePoint. The first station with this setup opened in Atlanta last year.
Focus Areas: The new chargers will be installed primarily at Starbucks locations along I-5. Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks also aim to explore more opportunities in urban areas, charging deserts, and critical travel corridors.
Cost and Partnership Details Between Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks
Starbucks will provide the space in its parking lots for the charging equipment but will not contribute to installation costs.
Mercedes-Benz will cover 50% of the $1 billion project cost, with the other 50% funded by MN8 Energy, a solar power and energy storage company under Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
Why Starbucks? Charging an EV takes longer than refueling a gas car, often up to an hour depending on the charger and battery size. By placing chargers at Starbucks, EV owners can enjoy a coffee and relax while their cars charge. This setup acknowledges the preference of EV owners for a more comfortable waiting environment.
Industry Context
Other automakers are also integrating EV chargers with convenient locations. Volkswagen, through Electrify America, installs chargers at Walmart and Target parking lots. Tesla has plans for a large Supercharger station with a restaurant and theater in Santa Monica, though it hasn’t been built yet.
Starbucks previously partnered with Volvo in 2022 to install 15 charging stations on highways connecting Seattle and Denver.
One of the main hurdles for new charging stations is finding suitable real estate partners willing to allocate space for the required equipment. This includes not only the chargers but also other necessary electronics like transformers and load centers.
As automakers like Mercedes-Benz continue to invest in EV infrastructure, collaborations with popular venues like Starbucks can enhance the charging experience for EV owners, making it more convenient and enjoyable.
