Mercedes to set up HPC chargers at Starbucks in the US

Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging has signed a deal with Starbucks to set up 400 kW HPC chargers at 100 locations along the US West Coast. The two companies will focus on locations along Interstate 5, which passes through California and Oregon, connecting Canada and Mexico.

While the companies do not mention any concrete location, the press release does state that they “share an ambition to identify additional opportunities in key markets, including core urban areas, charging deserts, and other critical travel corridors.” As the 1,400-mile route passes through a lot of non-urban areas, this could be good news for many EV drivers.

The stations will deliver up to 400 kW. Just recently, Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging announced that it would use Alpitronic’s Hypercharger 400 (HYC 400) for its DC charging network, making it the first in the US to do so.

“The collaboration between two leading brands like Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks will uplift the charging experience for all EV drivers,” said Andrew Cornelia, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging. “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 favourite Starbucks.”

“At Starbucks, we have a long history of bringing renewable and clean energy projects to connect communities that lack this infrastructure,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “Partnering with Mercedes is the next step in expanding our EV charging network so our customers can refuel sustainably while they enjoy Starbucks.”

In January 2023, the carmaker announced that it wanted to set up a network of fast-chargers in North America, Europe, China, and other key markets. The goal is to install over 10,000 ultra-rapid chargers worldwide by the end of this decade.

Mercedes-Benz is also part of a consortium of now eight carmakers that joined forces to build a fast-charging network with at least 30,000 charging points in North America. The other partners are BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis. The consortium named Ionna just announced that it will be based in Durham, North Carolina.

prnewswire.com