German legacy automaker Mercedes-Benz has just partnered with popular cafe giant Starbucks to expand its electric vehicle charging network in the United States.
Mercedes-Benz to bring its 400kW EV chargers to Starbucks
According to the press release, Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging and Starbucks formally formed a strategic partnership on Wednesday to deliver an “elevated EV charging experience” across the US.
The Mercedes-Benz EV charging unit aims to deploy DC fast charging stalls to more than 100 Starbucks stores nationwide.
The first phase of the project will focus on the installation of Mercedes-Benz’s 400-kilowatt electric vehicle chargers at some Starbucks stores along Interstate 5. For context, the I-5 spans the area from Canada to Mexico along the West Coast.
These upcoming fast chargers on Starbucks sites will be available for all electric vehicles regardless of brand.
“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.”
Andrew Cornelia, Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging President and CEO
Partnership details
Starbucks will not contribute any amount to the installation costs. The Seattle-based coffee giant will simply provide the needed space in its parking lots for the charging stalls and other equipment.
“At Starbucks, we have a long history of bringing renewable and clean energy projects to connect communities that lack the infrastructure. Partnering with Mercedes is the next step in expanding our EV charging offerings so our customers can refuel sustainably while they enjoy Starbucks.”
Michael Kobori, Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer
It is also worth noting that Mercedes will not shoulder the overall costs of this EV charging deployment project under the $1 billion plan to install 2,000 new charging hubs across the globe. American renewable energy giant MN8 Energy will reportedly contribute to 50% of the total funding.
EV charging network expansion
Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging officially launched its inaugural EV charging site in North America at the company’s headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia, in November 2023.
This project is also part of the said $1 billion charging network investment of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, a joint venture between subsidiaries of Mercedes-Benz Group and MN8 Energy.
Since then, the network has inaugurated a dozen locations with 400 kW EV chargers in various locations, including Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
The newly formed partnership with Starbucks is a crucial part of Mercedes-Benz’s efforts to expand its DC fast charging network to almost 50% of US states over the next “12-18” months.
