Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks have joined forces to install fast electric vehicle chargers at 100 locations along Interstate 5 on the West Coast. This partnership is part of Mercedes-Benz’s $1 billion plan to build 2,000 new EV charging hubs around the world. With the first station already opened in Atlanta last year, the focus is now shifting towards Starbucks locations along the I-5 corridor. This collaboration is part of a larger trend where automakers are teaming up with popular retailers to make EV charging more convenient and accessible.
Mercedes and Starbucks share a common ambition to identify opportunities in key markets, including urban areas, charging deserts, and critical travel corridors. Starbucks will be providing space in its parking lots for the charging stalls and other equipment, although they are not contributing financially to the installation costs. MN8 Energy, a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, will cover 50% of the $1 billion project, highlighting the importance of partnerships in expanding EV infrastructure.
One of the main challenges in opening new EV charging stations is finding willing real estate partners who can accommodate all the necessary equipment. DC fast chargers require space for not only plugs and charging stalls but also transformers and load centers, stored in weather-proof metal cabinets on-site. This equipment can be large and cumbersome, necessitating ample space for feasibility. Unlike refueling a gas car, recharging an EV battery can take up to an hour depending on the charger’s energy output and the battery size.
Mercedes’s choice to locate its chargers at Starbucks reflects an understanding of consumer behavior. EV owners would prefer to enjoy a latte and relax in a coffee shop while waiting for their batteries to recharge, rather than sitting in their cars. This approach is similar to other automakers such as Volkswagen, which installs its chargers in big box store parking lots, and Tesla, which planned a station in Santa Monica with dining and entertainment options. These partnerships aim to enhance the EV charging experience and make it more appealing to consumers.
Mercedes-Benz is not the only automaker to partner with Starbucks for EV charging. In 2022, Starbucks collaborated with Volvo to install 15 stations along highways connecting Seattle and Denver. This expansion of partnerships between automakers and retailers highlights the growing demand for EV infrastructure and the need for innovative solutions to make charging more convenient and accessible for consumers.
The partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks to install fast electric vehicle chargers represents a step forward in expanding EV infrastructure. By leveraging popular retail locations and understanding consumer preferences, automakers can make EV charging more convenient and appealing to consumers. These collaborations are essential in overcoming the challenges of opening new charging stations and accelerating the transition to electric mobility.
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