Mercedes Partners With Starbucks to Bring EV Charging Stations to The US
Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks join forces and plan to install fast charging stations at 100 locations across the country.
Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks join forces and plan to install fast charging stations at 100 locations across the country.
Mercedes-Benz is set to install DC fast chargers at 100 Starbucks stores across the U.S. This initiative, announced recently, aims to integrate charging facilities with popular travel corridors and urban areas where EV infrastructure is currently lacking. The first installations will focus on the West Coast’s Interstate 5, followed by key urban and underserved areas. This collaboration is part of Mercedes-Benz's broader strategy to make EV charging more convenient and accessible.
The strategic partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks addresses the often tedious wait associated with charging electric vehicles. By placing chargers at Starbucks locations, EV owners can enjoy their favorite beverages while their cars charge. These chargers, operated by Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging, will offer speeds up to 400 kW and utilize renewable energy, making the charging process not only quicker but also environmentally friendly. This approach aligns with the growing trend of integrating EV charging with existing consumer experiences.
Investment and Expansion
Mercedes-Benz's initiative is a significant component of its $1 billion plan to establish 2,000 new EV charging hubs worldwide. The project is financially supported in part by MN8 Energy, a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, focused on renewable energy solutions. The first of these stations, featuring amenities and high-speed charging capabilities, debuted in Atlanta last year. The project’s expansion into Starbucks locations marks a critical phase in Mercedes' efforts to enhance its global EV infrastructure network.
The partnership with Starbucks is not an isolated move. Other automakers, like Volkswagen and Tesla, have similarly integrated EV chargers into consumer-centric locations, such as Walmart, Target, and proposed sites featuring restaurants and entertainment facilities. Additionally, in 2022, Starbucks partnered with Volvo to install chargers along highways connecting Seattle and Denver. These collaborations highlight a broader industry trend towards making EV charging more convenient and integrated into everyday activities, thus addressing one of the significant challenges in EV adoption: charging convenience.
