Volvo, Starbucks to offer EV charging in US starting Jun.

Volvo Cars and Starbucks are teaming up to establish the first public EV charging network in select Starbucks stores in the US starting this summer (from June to September). The charging units will be supplied by ChargePoint, an American electric vehicle infrastructure company based in Campbell, California.

“Volvo Cars wants to give people the freedom to move and lower their impact on the environment. Working with Starbucks, we can do that by giving them enjoyable places to relax while their cars recharge,” said Volvo Cars USA President and CEO Anders Gustafsson.

According to the US arm of Volvo Cars, they will install as many as 60 Volvo-branded ChargePoint DC fast chargers at up to 15 Starbucks locations along a 1,350-mile route from the Denver area to the coffee company’s headquarters in Seattle.

Charging stations will be placed in about every 100 miles, well within the battery range of most electric vehicles.

The planned initiative, adds the Swedish automotive brand, could make charging Volvo pure electric models as easy as going to Starbucks. Visiting the coffee shop will no longer mean just getting a cup of Joe but will now also let EV owners let their cars get their fill.

The DC fast chargers from ChargePoint, for example, can juice up the Volvo C40 Recharge’s battery from 20 percent to 90 percent in just about 40 minutes.

In addition, drivers of Volvo Recharge models with Google embedded can use the ChargePoint app integrated into their vehicle’s in-dash system. Conversely, other drivers can use the ChargePoint smartphone app to find and access the ChargePoint charging stations at participating Starbucks locations.

While all EV drivers will be able to use these stations for a fee, drivers of Volvo Cars will get the added benefit of having access to these stations at no charge or at preferential rates.

“ChargePoint is enabling accessible EV charging opportunities anywhere drivers need it. We’re excited to support Volvo Cars' road to electrification, and help provide a premium driving experience for its customers to plan charging stops around their favorite Starbucks locations in select west coast destinations,” said ChargePoint President and CEO Pasquale Romano.

Just as Volvo Cars plans to be a fully electric car company by 2030, Starbucks aspires to lead the retail industry in decarbonization solutions, including Electric Vehicle charging and onsite solar availability at stores and in adjacent locations.

“We are thrilled to partner with Volvo Cars to test how we can charge our customers’ electric vehicles at Starbucks stores. Imagine a future where Starbucks helps our customers to connect — more sustainably,” said Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer Michael Kobori.

The planned charging network is expected o be complete by the end of 2022.

Photos from Volvo

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