Starbucks Corporation, in cooperation with Volvo Cars, today announced the installation of new electric vehicle (EV) chargers at the Starbucks store in Hermiston.
These chargers are available to customers and members of the public – part of the companies’ commitment to a sustainable future.
Four ChargePoint chargers at the Starbucks store in Hermiston, 1235 N. First St., have been installed and are available for use. This marks the latest progress on a pilot plan 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 aim to give EV drivers the freedom to move by providing familiar, comfortable and safe places to recharge their vehicles, and themselves.
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 there will be chargers at Starbucks stores roughly every 100 miles along the route, well within the range of nearly every EV, providing much-needed infrastructure for current EV drivers and those in and around Hermiston, OR who are considering an electric vehicle. While their cars are recharging outside, customers can relax comfortably inside with their favorite Starbucks beverage.
“EV charging should be as easy as getting a great cup of coffee – and now, it can be,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “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.”
ChargePoint’s DC fast chargers can bring the Volvo C40 Recharge, for example, from a 20 percent to a 90 percent charge in about 40 minutes. Drivers of Volvo Recharge models with Google embedded can use the ChargePoint app integrated into their vehicle’s in-dash system, while others can us the ChargePoint smartphone app to find and access the ChargePoint charging stations at participating Starbucks locations.
