Starbucks Begins Rollout of Denver-to-Seattle EV Charging Network

Mark Segal August 9, 2022

Starbucks announced that it has installed electric vehicle charging stations at a Provo, Utah store, marking the beginning of its planned deployment of its planned EV charging route from Denver to the Starbucks Seattle headquarters, in partnership with Volvo Cars.

Initially unveiled at Starbucks’ annual shareholder meeting in March, the pilot program forms part of the company’s planned initiatives aimed at supporting its aspiration “to lead the retail industry in decarbonization solutions” by 2030, and its goal to become a resource positive company.

Michael Kobori, Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer, said:

“Access to EV charging should be as easy as getting a great cup of coffee – and now, it can be.”

By the end of this year, the companies aim to have up to 60 Volvo-branded ChargePoint fast chargers installed at up to 15 Starbucks stores, approximately every 100 miles along the route.

Drivers of any EV with a standard CCS1 or CHAdeMO receptacle will be able to use the stations for a fee. As part of the partnership, drivers of Volvo cars will be able to access to the charging stations at no charge or at preferential rates.

Anders Gustafsson, SVP Americas Region and President and CEO, Volvo Car USA, said:

“Volvo Cars is about giving people the freedom to move in safe, sustainable and personal ways. One way we can do this is by partnering with Starbucks and ChargePoint to provide an EV charging network that fits seamlessly into their lives and offer the peace of mind you can only get from a cup of their favorite coffee.

Mark founded ESG Today following a 20 year career in investment management and research. Prior to founding ESG Today, Mark worked at Delaney Capital Management (DCM) in Toronto, Canada, most recently as the firm’s head of U.S. equities. While at DCM, Mark was part of the firm’s ESG team, responsible for evaluating and tracking the sustainability factors impacting portfolio companies, and assessing the suitability of companies for portfolio inclusion. Mark also spent several years in the sell-side research industry, covering the technology and services sectors. Mark holds an MBA from Columbia University in New York, a BBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto, and is a CFA charterholder.