• by Tanya Gazdik , December 12, 2023

Electric vehicle owners can now recharge both their cars and themselves thanks to a partnership between Volvo Car USA and Starbucks.

The two companies are collaborating on a fast charging network located at some of the coffee company’s U.S. stores.

Fifty co-branded DC fast chargers at 15 Starbucks locations along a 1,350-mile route between Denver and Seattle aim to make charging EVs as easy as going to Starbucks. 

These chargers, which are available for a fee, are placed about every 100 miles. They can add up to 110 miles of charge in as little as 15 minutes.

Drivers of fully electric Volvo models with Google embedded can use the car’s integrated ChargePoint app to find and access stations at participating Starbucks locations, while drivers of other EVs equipped with a standard CCS1 or CHAdeMO receptacle can use the ChargePoint smartphone app.

“The value of this partnership is offering fast charging with great amenities,” says Mike Cottone, president, Volvo Car USA and Canada, in a release. Volvo is promoting the partnership online. 

One of the biggest challenges to EV adoption is the reliability of public charging infrastructure. Volvo Car USA is helping to address this issue by working with Starbucks and ChargePoint to take on the responsibility of maintaining its chargers along the route. 

A combination of virtual and in-person monitoring supports quick response to problems with the chargers, with the goal of minimizing down time and consumer frustration.

Just as Volvo Cars plans to be a fully electric car company by 2030 and climate neutral by 2040, Starbucks aspires to cut its carbon footprint in half by 2030 and lead the retail industry in decarbonization solutions, including EV charging and onsite solar availability at stores and in adjacent locations.

“As we reimagine the Starbucks Experience of the future, we’re excited to invite our customers on our journey to become a resource positive company,” says Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer, in a release. 

The route crosses through several Federal Opportunity Zones, bringing equal access to communities who previously may not have had access to charging infrastructure.  

The scenic artery also passes near six national forests and unlocks zero tailpipe-emission for EV drivers along some of the country’s most iconic spots. From the Snoqualmie Pass in Washington, stretching the Snake River in Idaho, spanning Arches National Park in Utah and connecting outdoor destinations like Park City and Vail, the route includes many popular tourist destinations.