Mercedes-Benz is set to incorporate EV rapid chargers at more than 100 Starbucks outlets, as revealed in a joint statement by the two companies on Monday.
Initially, Mercedes will deploy 400-kw DC rapid chargers at Starbucks branches situated along the I-5 pathway, the main highway where one of the earliest charging infrastructure projects, known as the West Coast Electric Highway, was implemented over ten years ago. This highway stretches from Canada to Mexico and passes through Seattle, the hometown of Starbucks.
Mercedes-Benz EV Charging Hub in Sandy Springs, Georgia
The exact number of chargers to be installed in the initial phase and the locations targeted for subsequent phases were not disclosed by Mercedes and Starbucks.
This initiative follows a Volvo trial program, announced in 2022, to integrate up to 60 ChargePoint DC fast chargers at up to 15 Starbucks branches along a 1,350-mile path from Seattle to Denver, with chargers positioned every 100 miles.
Mercedes-Benz EV Charging Hub in Sandy Springs, Georgia
In January 2023, Mercedes revealed its rapid charging network and inaugurated the initial charging station in Sandy Springs, Georgia, close to Atlanta. The automaker has committed to solely utilizing 400-kw equipment, with facilities such as bathrooms, vending machines, and well-illuminated charging bays at intended standalone charging centers. These centers will eventually house both Combined Charging Standard (CCS) and Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors.
Since the November 2023 rollout, the automaker allegedly established an additional twelve charging centers across Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Its ambition is to further broaden the network to cover “almost half” of the states in the U.S. within the next 12-18 months. Collaborations like the one with Starbucks will provide Mercedes the flexibility to develop the network at locations that might not be conducive for a dedicated charging center.