Starbucks, Volvo launch a pilot EV charging network at coffee giant’s stores

Volvo Cars and Starbucks announced Tuesday a pilot programme to study the use and potential scalability of electric vehicle chargers in the coffee giant’s stores nationwide.

Volvo will instal up to 60 Volvo-branded ChargePoint DC fast chargers at up to 15 Starbucks locations along a 1,350-mile route from the Denver metro area to the coffee company’s headquarters in Seattle as part of the pilot.

Volvo and Starbucks will closely monitor stations and their use by electric vehicle owners to determine the program’s potential expansion, according to a company representative.

Charging infrastructure is viewed as a significant barrier to EV adoption, prompting automotive and charging companies to form partnerships to study use cases and deploy chargers throughout the United States.

Volvo and Starbucks intend to establish charging stations approximately every 100 miles, which is well within the range of the majority of electric vehicles. The companies said that installation of the chargers is scheduled to begin this summer and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

All EV owners with a ChargePoint account will be able to use the Volvo-branded chargers. According to a press release, Volvo owners can access the stations for free or at a reduced rate.

The announcement comes just one day before Starbucks’ annual meeting, which is expected to focus on the company’s sustainability efforts.

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