- The carmaker will introduce over 100 DC fast chargers at Starbucks stores.
- The 400 kW stations are among the most powerful on the market.
- Starbucks isn’t paying to have the chargers installed but will provide space in its parking lots.
Mercedes-Benz will roll out DC fast chargers at over 100 Starbucks stores across the United States, starting with a 1,400-mile route along Interstate 5 running from Washington to California. These won’t just be any old fast chargers, either.
The German auto brand is investing $1 billion into establishing a high-speed charging network across the United States, using its powerful 400 kW stations. The network has already opened a dozen locations across Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Over the next 12-18 months, it is tipped to expand to nearly half of all U.S. states.
Read: Mercedes Opens Swanky New 400-kW Fast Charging Hub In America
Starbucks will provide space in its parking lots for the chargers but will not contribute financially to their installation. Covering half of Mercedes-Benz’s $1 billion EV charger rollout is MN8 Energy, part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
“The collaboration between two leading brands like Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks will uplift the charging experience for all EV drivers,” president and chief executive of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging, Andrew Cornelia said. “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.”
Starbucks has a keen interest in EVs, and there are more than 1,000 stores across the country located near charging stations. Volvo has also partnered with Starbucks and installed 50 charging points at 15 Starbucks locations alongside a 1,350-mile route between the Denver area and Seattle. These chargers have been incorporated into the ChargePoint app and can add up to 110 miles (177 km) of range to the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models in as little as 15 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz opened its first EV charging hub in North America late last year, located in Sandy Springs, Georgia. This station has 400 kW chargers and a roof covered in solar panels.
