Recharging your caffeination and recharging your electric vehicle at a DC fast charger can now go hand in hand at Starbucks coffee shops in five U.S. states. Volvo is partnering with ChargePoint and Starbucks in a pilot program to install DC fast chargers along a 1,350-mile route from Seattle to Denver. They plan to install 60 chargers at 15 locations, meaning 4 plugs per station, available about every 100 miles.
“The pilot is a test to understand the usage and potential scalability of EV charging stations at the coffee chains stores, as Starbucks looks to expand its roster of renewable energy and decarbonization projects to meet its goal to cut its emissions by 50 percent by 2030. “
The Volvo-branded ChargePoint DC fast chargers are expected to be fully installed by the end of 2022. The chargers will be a mix of ChargePoint’s Express 250 and Express Plus units, capable of delivering up to 62.5 kW and 350 kW, respectively. All chargers will have both CHAdeMO and CCS plugs.
“The charging experience in the US is extremely fragmented, especially for people who don’t own a Tesla.”
While Tesla’s Supercharger network is fast and reliable, it excludes non-Tesla drivers. This pilot program is a strong push to get electric vehicle DC fast chargers in more publicly available spots and make charging available for non-Tesla drivers. The ChargePoint stations offered at Starbucks locations will be available to all EVs – Volvo vehicles can use them for free and charging fees will apply for non-Volvos.
Currently, there are 41,000 public charging stations in the U.S. – they can be difficult to find and hard to plan for. Offering charging at Starbucks locations along this stretch will help curb the challenge of planning each charging opportunity during a road trip. Travelers and local residents will both benefit. Not to mention, the experience of waiting in a coffee shop is arguably more enjoyable than in a big box store parking lot.
Fifteen stations is a small step in the right direction and this pilot program is demonstrating that some of the big players are seeing the bigger picture – the time is now to prepare for charging demand. Sona can help your property do the same. Contact us today and we’ll work together to find the best charging strategy customized for your EV needs.
