The first four chargers have been installed in Provo, Utah

Geely’s US Volvo Cars unit has announced the first Starbucks stores where new ChargePoint electric vehicle (EV ) chargers will be available to both Volvo drivers and the public.

Four chargers at the first Starbucks location in Provo, Utah have been installed and are scheduled to become active later this month. It will mark the start of a pilot plan announced last March to electrify a major thoroughfare that opens electric vehicle travel between four critical markets including Seattle, Boise, Salt Lake City and Denver.

With installation of 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, the two companies 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 EV drivers some of the country’s most iconic spots such as the Snoqualmie Pass in Washington, the Snake River in Idaho, Arches National Park in Utah and connecting outdoor destinations like Park City and the ski resort of Vail.

By the end of 2022 there will be chargers at Starbucks stores roughly every 100 miles (160km) along the route well within the range of nearly every EV , providing much-needed infrastructure for current EV drivers and those considering an electric vehicle.

“Partnerships like this are hugely important as we continue to move towards a more sustainable, electrified future,” said Anders Gustafsson, SVP Americas region and president and CEO, Volvo Car USA. “We are creating an EV charging network that can fit seamlessly into everyday life.”

The ChargePoint DC fast chargers can bring EV s such as Volvo ‘s C40 Recharge from a 20% to a 90% charge in around 40 minutes. Drivers of Recharge models with Google embedded can use the ChargePoint app integrated into their vehicle while others can use the smartphone app to find and access charging stations at participating Starbucks locations.

Drivers of any EV equipped with a standard CCS1 or CHAdeMO socket will be able to use these stations for a fee but Volvo EV owners will receive access either at no charge or at preferential rates.

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