Image: Volvo
A few months ago, I came up with an idea that I think could change the way public EV charging infrastructure is built: charging networks near hotels or fast food chains. Now Volvo is doing just that, partnering with ChargePoint to install public electric vehicle chargers at 15 Starbucks locations between Denver, Colorado and Seattle, Washington.
And it’s not just old chargers – these are fast DC chargers, which means you can get a pretty decent charge in the time it takes you to drink coffee… as long as you enjoy it. A Volvo press release notes that the C40 Recharge can go from a 20 percent charge to a 90 percent charge in 40 minutes. A full battery should give you an estimated range of 225 miles, so theoretically you could go from 45 miles to 202 miles. Those are ideal numbers and may not actually reflect in real life.
While 40 minutes is still quite a long time to spend at Starbucks, I think you could put your feet up and relax with a coffee or two and get some work done while you recharge. It could have been worse, but it could have been much better.
Volvo plans to install 60 Volvo ChargePoint-branded chargers at 15 locations approximately 100 miles apart along the 1,350-mile route between Denver and Seattle. That equates to about four chargers at Starbucks that anyone can use, although Volvo drivers will be exempt from charging fees depending on their choice.
The project is due to be completed by the end of 2022, essentially paving the way through the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest. And if all goes well, it looks like Volvo will continue to expand the Starbucks and ChargePoint partnership across the country.
Perhaps most important, however, is the fact that it could signal the growth of such a business model, with like-minded people coming together to provide enhanced access to the charging network on certain highway routes. At least we can only hope.