Mercedes-Benz partners with Starbucks to install EV fast-chargers at over 100 locations.
With the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and the need for a reliable charging infrastructure, Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with Starbucks to install EV fast-chargers at over 100 Starbucks locations. The partnership aims to make charging more convenient for EV owners by strategically placing fast-chargers at popular coffee shops along major highways.
The initial phase of the project will focus on installing 400-kw DC fast-chargers at Starbucks locations along the I-5 corridor, which is part of the West Coast Electric Highway that stretches from Canada to Mexico. This corridor has been a key location for charging infrastructure projects in the past, making it an ideal spot for the new fast-charging network.
### Mercedes-Benz charging network expansion
Mercedes-Benz recently entered the fast-charging market with the launch of its own EV charging network. The automaker opened its first charging site in Sandy Springs, Georgia, near Atlanta, in November 2023. These charging hubs are equipped with 400-kw hardware and amenities like restrooms, vending machines, and well-lit charging stalls.
The company has since opened additional charging hubs across several southern states, including Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Mercedes-Benz plans to expand the network to “nearly half” of U.S. states within the next 12-18 months, with a focus on providing high-speed charging options for its electric vehicle customers.
### Collaboration with Starbucks
The partnership with Starbucks will allow Mercedes-Benz to extend its charging network to locations that may not be suitable for standalone charging hubs. By installing fast-chargers at Starbucks locations, EV owners will have more options for charging their vehicles while stopping for a coffee or snack.
The collaboration follows a similar pilot program by Volvo, which aimed to install up to 60 ChargePoint DC fast-chargers at Starbucks stores along a 1,350-mile route between Seattle and Denver. This initiative aimed to provide convenient and reliable charging options for EV owners traveling along that route.
### Future outlook
Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with Starbucks marks a significant step towards expanding the EV charging infrastructure across the United States. With plans to cover “nearly half” of U.S. states with its fast-charging network, Mercedes-Benz is committed to providing a seamless charging experience for its electric vehicle customers.
By strategically placing fast-chargers at Starbucks locations and other key spots along major highways, Mercedes-Benz aims to make charging more accessible and convenient for EV owners. The collaboration with Starbucks is just the beginning of a larger effort to build out a comprehensive charging network that meets the growing demand for electric vehicles.