Starbucks plans to make EV charging stations as common as shops
Starbucks Corporation
"Soon you'll be able to charge your electric vehicle at your corner coffee shop. Starbucks and Volvo are teaming to build out a public EV charging network. The network will be limited in scope — just 15 Starbucks locations to start. Volvo will work with ChargePoint, an EV charging station manufacturer. All EV drivers will be able to use the charging stations for a fee. Volvo plans to be a fully electric automaker by 2030."
Your electric vehicle will soon be able to be charged at your local coffee shop. Starbucks and Volvo have announced a partnership to develop a public electric vehicle charging network that will begin this summer.
The network will be small at first, with only 15 Starbucks outlets. However, because of the open charging network, any EV motorist will be able to charge (and caffeinate) every 100 miles or so.
Volvo will partner with ChargePoint, a Campbell, Calif.-based EV charging station maker, to deploy 60 Volvo-branded stations spanning a 1,350-mile path from Denver to Seattle, Starbucks' home city. The distance between the two points is around 100 miles. The charging stations are anticipated to be installed by the end of the year, according to the companies' release.
"Volvo Cars wants to give people the freedom to roam while reducing their environmental impact," said Anders Gustafsson, senior vice president of Volvo's Americas region. "We can achieve that by partnering with Starbucks to provide people with delightful locations to relax while their automobiles recharge."
Despite the fact that all EV drivers will be able to use the charging stations for a price (which the firms have yet to specify), Volvo EV drivers will either not have to pay or will receive "preferential pricing."
Starbucks has a history of being an early adopter of new technology. The company was one of the first to implement in-app ordering and the option to earn prizes, as well as wireless charging pads for cellphones. (Unfortunately, the installation took place before the majority of cellphones have wireless charging capability.)
Volvo, on the other hand, wants to be a totally electric automaker by 2030. According to Automotive News, Volvo disclosed plans for five new and updated electric vehicles, as well as two plug-in hybrids, to be released over the next several years at an event in Miami in late February.
The open nature of the ChargePoint network, which is compatible with all EVs, is likely the biggest deal here. Though 15 locations aren't exactly the countrywide EV charging network that the United States requires to alleviate range anxiety, it is a hint that Starbucks and Volvo are anticipating charging demand.
