Volvo, ChargePoint, and Starbucks Open Up First Stations In New EV Charging Network

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Volvo Car USA and Starbucks recently announced that the companies’ charging network partnership is bearing fruit. The new network, strategically located at select Starbucks stores across the United States, is now open on some key travel corridors.

Fifty DC fast chargers, jointly branded by Volvo Cars and Starbucks, have been conveniently installed at 15 Starbucks locations along a 1,350-mile route between the Denver area and Seattle. This initiative aims to make charging Volvo and other fully electric vehicles as effortless as visiting a Starbucks. The chargers are strategically positioned about every 100 miles, and can provide that much range to a vehicle in as little as 15 minutes. So, it’s possible in many cases to just stop by for a coffee and take off again.

EV drivers now have a convenient network of charging stations that not only power their cars, but also give the driver a kick of caffeine. Starbucks stores not only have drinks and a limited selection of food, but they also have restrooms and a nice place to sit for longer charging sessions. In many ways, they’re the ideal place for a station, in other words.

For drivers of fully electric Volvo models with integrated Google technology, the company says that finding and accessing charging stations at participating Starbucks locations is made easy, as the vehicles have an integrated ChargePoint app in the infotainment system. The stations, like most other ChargePoint stations, have a CCS1 and CHAdeMO port, so just about all other EVs can take advantage of the new chargers on this route, too.

“The value of this partnership is offering fast charging with great amenities,” said Mike Cottone, President, Volvo Car USA and Canada. “These Starbucks locations provide a perfect stop along a long drive to relax and quickly recharge not only the car, but the driver.”

In the press release, the companies acknowledge that one of the major hurdles to widespread EV adoption is the dependability of public charging infrastructure. To tackle this challenge, Volvo Car USA has partnered with Starbucks and ChargePoint to assume the responsibility of maintaining its chargers along the route. They’re employing a combination of virtual and in-person monitoring to make sure repairs happen fast, reducing downtimes and minimizing the hassle and pain for drivers.

This is an important project for both companies. Volvo has set ambitious goals to become a fully electric car company by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Similarly, Starbucks aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and take the lead in decarbonization solutions within the retail industry. This includes implementing Electric Vehicle charging stations and making onsite solar power accessible at their stores and nearby locations. So, it’s a win-win for both of them.

“Public EV charging should be as easy as getting a great cup of coffee – and now, it can be thanks to our partnership with Volvo Car USA,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “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.”

The route traverses multiple Federal Opportunity Zones, providing equitable access to communities that previously lacked charging infrastructure. This picturesque route also passes by six national forests along with many other views of some of the most iconic spots in the country. From Washington’s Snoqualmie Pass to the Snake River in Idaho, and from Utah’s Arches National Park to popular destinations like Park City and Vail, this route is basically the model American road trip. Now, it can be done more easily with no tailpipe emissions.

Chargers have been installed at or near the following cities:

• Seattle, WA
• Issaquah, WA
• Yakima, WA
• Hermiston, OR
• La Grande, OR
• Nampa, ID
• Twin Falls, ID
• Uintah, ID
• Sandy, UT
• Provo, UT
• Grand Junction, CO
• Glenwood Springs, CO
• Silverthorne, CO
• Idaho Springs, CO
• Broomfield, CO

These Stations Will Have a Real Impact

After going through the press release information, I decided to take a look at Plugshare to see if I could put this story into some more context. At first thought, I figured that the route from Washington to Denver was already well covered, but given what I’ve learned driving along part of it and what I found on the map, it’s clear that they’re making a real difference with this joint network.

Sadly, on my last trip to Idaho, I ended up taking the Jetta. I was shopping for a Bolt EUV at the time and wasn’t having much luck given the market conditions in 2022, and ended up buying one the following month. The LEAF I had at the time had basically no chance of making that trip.

But, as we planned the trip, I did some EV trip planning to see how it would have worked if I had managed to get the Bolt bought in time. It was barely feasible, especially between Salt Lake and Twin Falls. But, when I made the trip in my gas car, I decided to check the stations out along the way to see how it would have gone. I found that some of the stations I would have relied upon were in pretty sorry shape.

But, even in just a year and a few months, the situation has drastically improved and continues to. The new network doesn’t add any stations to places where there were none before, but it adds important redundancy along a major route between several metro areas. This not only adds reliability, but capacity for future EV growth.

Between this network and the ones GM and EVgo are putting in, and then with Tesla’s network opening up to more vehicles, it’s going to be nice to have a lot more choice in EV charging. Instead of going where the chargers are, I’ll be able to choose between more places and get the amenities I want next time.

Featured image provided by Volvo and Starbucks.