Mercedes-Benz is accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by partnering with Starbucks to install 400kW fast chargers at 100 locations along Interstate 5 (I-5). This initiative was a part of $1 billion global investment by Mercedes-Benz aimed at establishing 2,000 EV charging hubs worldwide.
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The primary focus is on I-5 locations, but the partnership plans to explore additional opportunities in core urban areas, charging deserts and other critical travel corridors.
The collaboration plans to address the need for EV chargers in both urban areas and underserved regions. Supporting Mercedes-Benz’s goal to transition to electric mobility and promoting Starbuck’s sustainability goals.
Mercedes-Benz covers 50% of the $1 billion investment with the remaining funded by MN8 Energy, a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Asset Management focused on renewable energy. Providing the space for charging equipment in its parking lots without bearing the installation costs.
Finding suitable real estate partners is critical due to the space required for DC fast charging equipment including plugs, stalls, transformers and load centers.
Unlike refueling a gas car which takes minutes, EV charging can take up to an hour making locations with amenities like Starbucks ideal for such installations.
Volkswagen and Electrify America installed chargers at big-box stores like Walmart and Target. Tesla is planning a large Supercharger station in Santa Monica with amenities like a restaurant and movie theater although this project has yet to break ground.
In 2022, Volvo partnered with Starbucks to install 15 charging stations along highways between Seattle and Denver.
The 400kW chargers can reduce charging times comparable to the quick refueling of gas vehicles provided the EV supports such high-voltage architecture.
Both Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks are committed to reducing carbon footprints. Starbucks plans to halve its CO2 emissions by 2030, while Mercedes-Benz plans for carbon neutrality by 2039 with all charging stations powered by clean energy.
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Mercedes-Benz has already opened 12 locations with 400kW chargers in various southern states including Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky.
The company aims to expand its network to nearly half of the US states within the next 12-18 months.
Many charging stations are located in remote or inconvenient places often lacking amenities like restrooms or food options.
Installing chargers at Starbucks locations, where customers can relax, eat and enjoy a beverage while their cars charge.
Convenience stores and travel stops like 7/11 and Love’s have also begun integrating EV charging facilities.
Providing charging stations not only supports environmental goals but also encourages customers to spend more time at these locations.
The company has pledged $1 billion to build a charging network. Mercedes-Benz along with BMW, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Toyota and Stellantis formed Ionna, an EV charging joint venture aimed at establishing a robust charging infrastructure.
400 kilowatts, which is higher than current U.S. EVs can utilize. The Alpitronic Hypercharger 400 is equipped with NACS cables supporting a wide range of vehicle voltages.
Reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Over 1,000 Starbucks locations already have nearby access to EV charging.
The company plans to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire fleet and value chain by 2039. The charging network will be powered by 100% clean energy.
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