Volvo is moving forward with a plan to create 60 pilot installations of ChargePoint DC Fast chargers at up to 15 Starbucks stores. The fast chargers will be at locations along a 1,350-mile route between Starbucks ’ HQ city of Seattle and Denver. Volvo says the installations will begin this summer.
Related Story: Many Public DC Fast Chargers For Electric Vehicles Are Slower Than You’d Think
The three companies involved offered these statements:
“Volvo Cars wants to give people the freedom to move and lower their impact on the environment,” said Anders Gustafsson, Sr. Vice President Americas and President and CEO, Volvo Car USA. “Working with Starbucks we can do that by giving them enjoyable places to relax while their cars recharge.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Volvo Cars to test how we can charge our customers’ electric vehicles at Starbucks stores, said Michael Kobori, Chief Sustainability Officer at Starbucks. “Imagine a future where Starbucks helps our customers to connect----more sustainably.”
“ChargePoint is enabling accessible EV charging opportunities anywhere drivers need it,” said Pasquale Romano, President and CEO of ChargePoint. “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.”
ChargePoint’s fastest DC chargers can bring an EV like the Volvo C40 Recharge from about 20 percent to about 90 percent charge in roughly 40 minutes. While their cars are recharging outside, Volvo owners and their passengers can relax comfortably inside with their favorite Starbucks beverage.
Volvo Recharge model owners can use the Google embedded in their infotainment system to find and access the ChargePoint charging stations at participating Starbucks locations. Other EV brand owners are not being excluded from using these chargers. That would be crazy! Rather, all EV drivers of any brand capable of DC fast charging 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 free of charge, or at a lower than market rate.
If you were shopping for a new EV, would the ability to access limited locations with free charging be a factor in your choice of models? Tell us in the comments below.
Image of EV owner parking in front of Starbucks for 40 minutes courtesy of Volvo.
John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's interest in EVs goes back to 1990 when he designed the thermal control system for an EV battery as part of an academic team. After earning his mechanical engineering degree, John completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers, in the semiconductor industry, and in biotech. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American news outlets and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on TikTok @ToknCars, on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin
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