Four chargers at the first Starbucks location in Provo, Utah (East Bay – University & 9th, 979 S University Ave.) have been installed and became active in August. It marks the start of a pilot plan announced last March to electrify a major thoroughfare that opens electric vehicle travel between four critical markets including Seattle, Boise, Salt Lake City and Denver.
With the installations of as many as 60 DC fast chargers at up to 15 Starbucks locations along a 1,350 mile route between the Colorado front range and the Starbucks Support Center (headquarters) in Seattle, Starbucks and Volvo say they aim to give EV drivers the freedom to move by providing familiar, comfortable and safe places to recharge their vehicles.
The two companies said in a statement: "Previously under-resourced to support EV charging, this scenic artery passes near six national forests and unlocks to zero tailpipe-emission EV drivers 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 represents the American road trip at its best."
It is planned that by the end of the year there will be chargers at Starbucks stores roughly every 100 miles along the route, which the partners say is well within the range of nearly every EV, providing much-needed infrastructure for current EV drivers and those considering an electric vehicle.
“Partnerships like this are hugely important as we continue to move towards a more sustainable, electrified future," said Anders Gustafsson, SVP Americas region and president and CEO, Volvo Car USA. "Together with Starbucks and ChargePoint, we are creating an EV charging network that can fit seamlessly into everyday life. It’s a great compliment to Volvo Cars' mission to give people the freedom to move in safe, sustainable and personal ways, and we look forward to the many ways we can make a positive impact together."
Starbucks chief sustainability officer Michael Kobori said: “We look forward to continuing this partnership with Volvo and ChargePoint, exploring new ways to enhance the Starbucks Experience and inviting customers on our journey to become a resource positive company.”
