Mercedes teams up with Starbucks to add a buzz to the EV charging experience, in the US

Mercedes-Benz will roll out more than 100 fast-charging stations at popular coffee shop chain Starbucks in the US, allowing customers to recharge their cars and themselves simultaneously.

The DC fast chargers are capable of 400kW charging, though no current production Mercedes-Benz electric car will be able to take full advantage of those speeds.

At present, the EQS sedan and SUV top out at 200kW charging, while the EQE sedan and SUV have 170kW charging capability, which allows all models to charge from 10 to 80 per cent of its battery in around 31 minutes.

The smaller EQA and EQB SUVs however are only capable of 100kW fast charging, though the 10-80 per cent recharge time is still 30 minutes due to a smaller battery capacity.

As for the discontinued EQC, the mid-size electric SUV is capable of 110kW charging, able to go from zero to 100 per cent in 1 hour and 22 minutes.

Of course, the new chargers will also play host to the next generation of Mercedes-Benz EVs, such as the G580 that has four electric motors and a 200kW fast-charge capability and the electric CLA-previewing concept from last year with a 250kW charging claim.

The new charging stations will be located along Interstate 5, connecting Canada to Mexico on the US west coast and connecting cities like Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

And the new stations won’t be brand locked to Mercedes models either, with the promise that the network will be “open to all vehicle brands” such as Tesla, Hyundai, and more.

Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging President and CEO Andrew Cornelia said the collaboration will make it easier for EV owners to recharge their vehicles in an everyday scenario.

“The collaboration between two leading brands like Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks will uplift the charging experience for all EV drivers,” he said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer Michael Kobori said the tie-up falls in line with the coffee giant’s sustainability plans.

“We have a long history of bringing renewable and clean energy projects to connect communities that lack the infrastructure,” he said.

“Partnering with Mercedes is the next step in expanding our EV charging offerings so our customers can refuel sustainably while they enjoy Starbucks.”