Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging and Starbucks have announced a strategic collaboration to electrify over 100 Starbucks stores across the USA.
Andrew Cornelia, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging said “The collaboration between two leading brands like Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks will uplift the charging experience for all EV drivers. 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.”
We unerstand that the vision for the first phase of the program will be to co-locate industry-leading 400 kW electric vehicle chargers at Starbucks stores located along Interstate 5 (I-5), which of course is a critical west coast travel corridor spanning from Canada to Mexico.
“At Starbucks, we have a long history of bringing renewable and clean energy projects to connect communities that lack this infrastructure,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “Partnering with Mercedes is the next step in expanding our EV charging network so our customers can refuel sustainably while they enjoy Starbucks.”
The press release stated that sustainability is a driving strategy at both Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks. Starbucks’ renewable energy projects, including EV charging, help further its goal to reduce carbon emissions 50 percent by 2030. In the U.S., Starbucks customers can enjoy their favorite beverage while charging at over 1,000 company-operated and licensed stores with nearby access to EV charging. In partnership with Mercedes-Benz, Starbucks continues to expand its EV charging network with the goal of bringing renewable energy and clean technology to more communities while providing a customer experience designed with greater connection, ease, and sustainable impact.
Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging is supporting Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s target to go electric through the development of a public charging network open to all vehicle brands. The network is powered by 100% clean energy as part of the Mercedes-Benz ‘Ambition 2039’ to reach carbon neutrality across its entire fleet and value chain.
Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging opened its inaugural charging site in November 2023 as part of an initial USD 1 billion investment to build the most desirable charging network.
In the months since that launch, the network made fast progress opening a dozen locations with 400 kW speed charging across Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The network is expected to expand to nearly half of the US states over the next 12-18 months. With a commitment to elevate the charging experience, Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging will align with leading brands to fill gaps in quality of the charging experience, reimagine spatial design, and create market leading consumer offerings and experiences.
Actually, this isn’t a new idea for Starbucks; the company did a similar 15-charger test with Volvo back in 2022. Volkswagen and Tesla are also placing chargers at popular retail locations.
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