Starbucks, in partnership with Swedish automaker Volvo, has taken a significant step into the electric vehicle (EV) market by installing electric car charging stations at 15 of its locations in five US states. This collaboration aims to address the lack of charging infrastructure for EVs in North America and cater to the growing interest in electric vehicles among consumers.
Partnership Details:
Starbucks and Volvo have installed 50 Volvo charging stations at Starbucks stores in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These stations are capable of recharging any electric car with a CCS1 or CHAdeMO connector, ensuring convenience and accessibility for EV owners.
Targeting Underserved Corridor:
The decision to install charging stations along the thousand-mile route connecting Denver and Seattle was driven by the underserved nature of this corridor. Seattle and Denver are both rapidly growing EV markets, but the lack of existing infrastructure along this route presented an opportunity for Starbucks and Volvo to meet the charging needs of EV owners traveling between these cities.
Addressing Charging Infrastructure Gap:
The venture between Starbucks and Volvo is a response to the insufficient charging infrastructure for EVs in North America. As of this summer, the US had only 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers, significantly fewer compared to the country’s 2.3 million electric cars. Starbucks and Volvo aim to contribute to closing this gap and facilitating the adoption of EVs by providing more charging options to consumers.
Industry Trend:
Starbucks is not alone in recognizing the importance of expanding charging infrastructure. Other major food and retail chains, including Taco Bell, Whole Foods, 7-Eleven, and Subway, have either already added or planned to add EV chargers outside their stores. This growing trend reflects the increasing demand for EVs and the need to support their market expansion with accessible charging solutions.
Compatibility and Industry Standards:
Most non-Tesla electric vehicles in the US use CCS1 connectors for charging, which have become the widely adopted standard in North America. However, certain Asian car manufacturers, including Nissan, use CHAdeMO connectors. Tesla, on the other hand, developed its own charging connector and port, known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which is being adopted by multiple automakers for their upcoming EV models.
Future Plans and Commitment:
Starbucks expressed its intention to offer EV charging stations compatible with NACS connectors, signaling its commitment to supporting the wider EV market. The company is also exploring partnerships with other automakers to expand its network of EV charging stations, further contributing to the growth of EV infrastructure and sustainable transportation.
Conclusion:
Starbucks, in collaboration with Volvo, is making significant strides in expanding EV charging infrastructure across five US states. By installing Volvo charging stations at its stores along the Denver-Seattle corridor, Starbucks aims to address the charging infrastructure gap and promote the adoption of electric vehicles. This initiative aligns with the industry trend of major food and retail chains investing in EV charging infrastructure. With plans to offer NACS-compatible charging stations and explore additional partnerships, Starbucks is committed to supporting the future of sustainable transportation.
Lesley
Sichuan Green Science & Technology Ltd., Co.
0086 19158819659
Post time: Dec-25-2023
