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Starbucks and Mercedes-Benz announced today the launch of a new strategic collaboration aimed at installing high-power electric vehicle chargers at 100 Starbucks stores across the U.S.

Under the first phase of the program, high-power EV chargers will be installed at Starbucks locations on a 1,400-mile route along Interstate 5 from Washington to California, including in core urban areas and charging deserts, with the companies saying that they aim to identify more locations over time, including in markets on the East Coast.

The Starbucks locations will feature 400 kW EV chargers, equipped with NACS cables and with the capability to support vehicles with a wide voltage range.

According to Starbucks, EV charging forms one of the company’s key strategies underlying its environmental pledge “to give more to the planet than we take.” Starbucks announced a goal in 2020 to become a resource-positive company, including storing more carbon than it emits, eliminating waste, and providing more clean water than it uses. The company previously partnered with Volvo to install chargers along a 1,350-mile route from its headquarters in Seattle to Denver.

Starbucks added that one of the goals of the collaboration is to seamlessly integrate the charging experience with the familiar and easy routine of grabbing a coffee, and make it available to drivers of all EV brands.

Michael Kobori, Chief Sustainability Officer at Starbucks, said:

“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 network so our customers can refuel sustainably while they enjoy Starbucks.”

The launch of the new collaboration follows the announcement last year by Mercedes-Benz of plans to establish a global EV charging network, with a goal to reach more than 10,000 high-power chargers across markets including North America, Europe and China, beginning with the U.S. and Canada. The company announced in 2021 a plan to electrify its automotive fleet, including a goal to go all-electric by 2030, as part of its “Ambition 2039” to reach carbon neutrality across its entire fleet and value chain.

Andrew Cornelia, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging, said:

“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.”

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