Volvo is teaming up with Starbucks to build a network of fast-charging stations at the coffee giant’s locations across the United States. It’s a marriage made in heaven, an abundant coffee shop with an outlet for your BEV.
The chargers will be powered by ChargePoint, and will be able to charge an XC40 from 20 percent up to 90 percent in around 40 minutes. Initially, there will be 60 charging stations at 15 locations in a 1,350-mile span between Denver and Starbucks headquarters in Seattle, Washington.
Volvo Recharge models with Google embedded will be able to use the ChargePoint app available in the dash, while non-Volvo drivers can download the ChargePoint smartphone app.
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“ChargePoint is enabling accessible EV charging opportunities anywhere drivers need it,” said ChargePoint President and CEO, Pasquale Romano. “We’re excited to support Volvo Cars’ road to electrification, and help provide a premium driving experience for its customers to plan charging stops around their favorite Starbucks locations in select west coast destinations.”
The stations are located roughly 100 miles from one another, so if you only had enough time to drink one cup of coffee while your vehicle charged, there’s a good chance that you’re close enough to another one to fill up on both caffeine and electrons.
Everyone can use the chargers, but only Volvos for free
Any electric vehicle will be able to use the stations, but only Volvo drivers will enjoy using the stations at “no charge”, or at reduced rates compared to other brands’ electric vehicles.
Volvo plans to begin installing the chargers at the start of summer 2022, and complete the network by the end of the year. The hope is to offer a hub from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Northwest for drivers to recharge not only their vehicles, but themselves.
By the end of the decade, Volvo’s global strategy is to sell only Battery-Electric Vehicles, while Starbucks also plans to decarbonize with solutions such as charging stations for customers, and expanding its solar power pilot project to 55 of its locations in 2022.
“Volvo Cars wants to give people the freedom to move and lower their impact on the environment,” said Volvo Car USA Sr. Vice President Americas and President and CEO, Anders Gustafsson.
“We are thrilled to partner with Volvo Cars to test how we can charge our customers’ electric vehicles at Starbucks stores, said Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer, Michael Kobori.
