Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks have recently: teamed up on a project to install fast electric vehicle chargers at 100 Starbucks locations along Interstate 5. This partnership marks part of Mercedes-Benz’s $1 billion plan to build 2,000 new EV charging hubs globally. The initial station, equipped with 400kW charging speeds courtesy of ChargePoint, was launched in Atlanta last year. The collaboration between the iconic German automaker and the popular coffee chain highlights their shared ambition to identify further opportunities in key markets and important travel corridors.
The two companies revealed that Starbucks won’t be contributing financially towards the installation costs but will be providing space within its parking lots for the charging stalls and other necessary equipment. A noteworthy mention is that MN8 Energy, an offshoot of Goldman Sachs Asset Management specializing in solar power and energy storage, will cover 50 percent of the $1 billion project’s expenses. This partnership comes at a crucial time when most automakers are reconsidering their electric vehicle plans due to slower-than-expected growth.
One of the primary challenges faced when opening new charging stations is finding a real estate partner willing to allocate sufficient space for essential equipment to enable DC fast charging effectively. Apart from plugs and charging stalls, DC fast chargers also require space for transformers and load centers, housed in weather-proof metal cabinets on-site. This equipment can be extensive and bulky, necessitating ample space for successful implementation.
The decision by Mercedes-Benz to position its chargers at Starbucks locations reflects an acknowledgment that EV owners would prefer to spend their charging time in a comfortable environment like a coffee shop rather than waiting alone in their cars. Other automakers, such as Volkswagen and Tesla, have also recognized this trend, with Volkswagen’s Electrify America installing chargers in big-box store parking lots and Tesla planning to build a 62-stall Supercharger station in Santa Monica that includes amenities like a restaurant and movie theater.
In addition to collaborating with Mercedes-Benz, Starbucks has also partnered with Volvo to announce the installation of 15 stations along highways connecting Seattle and Denver in 2022. These partnerships demonstrate the growing trend towards integrating EV infrastructure with popular destinations and services, making the transition to electric vehicles more convenient and accessible for consumers.
The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks to install EV chargers at coffee locations signifies a step towards creating a more robust and widespread charging network for electric vehicles. By leveraging popular destinations like Starbucks, automakers can enhance the charging experience for EV owners and contribute to the growth of sustainable transportation options.
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