The Starbucks Corporation
"Volvo Car USA will install as many as 60 Volvo-branded, ChargePoint DC fast chargers at up to 15 Starbucks locations along a 1,350-mile route from the Denver area to the coffee company's Seattle headquarters," the company wrote in a release. "Plans include a charging location about every 100 miles, well within the battery range of most electric vehicles."
Volvo also noted that its chargers could restore up to 70% of a vehicle's battery in roughly 40 minutes, depending on conditions. The company further stated that the charging stations would charge a fee but that Volvo EV owners would receive access "at no charge or at preferential rates." Volvo and Starbucks will study the stations' usage to analyze their performance and plan potential expansions if successful.
As one might imagine, Starbucks's kicker is billing itself as an eco-friendly locale to charge one's EV quickly. Starbucks has faced growing pressure from environmental activists over its disposable cups, among other sustainability issues; given its ongoing initiative to replace disposable cups at its store, it seems safe to assume the company is taking steps in the direction of addressing those complaints.
However, the change also comes as the company faces increasing criticism for its union-busting efforts, including the firings of employees involved in unionization efforts. Starbucks is also executing a leadership change, with its current CEO, Kevin Johnson, stepping down after 13 years. While the company's sustainability push is likely to bode well with consumers, incoming temporary CEO Howard Schultz will still have Starbucks' tense labor relations to deal with.
Starbucks shares saw a bit of a bump during trading on Wednesday, rising 4.2% by 2 p.m. This jump may have more to do with the departure of Johnson than the EV deal, in any case.
