Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast.
This is a show where we discuss the critical Crossroads, the
Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neuralink.
I'm your host, Will Walden, an unlikely company to get into the
electric vehicle sector. Starbucks is introducing
charging stations at select US locations in collaboration with
Volvo, and this initiative has led to the establishment of EV
charging stations at 15 Starbucks locations along a 1000
mile route between Denver and Seattle.
Now, this move is a step in addressing the charging
infrastructure deficit in North America, according to Volvo and
according to Starbucks Now. The project encompasses 50 Volvo
charging stations spread across Starbucks stores in Colorado,
Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
The stations are equipped to recharge any electric vehicle
that supports CCS 1 or CHA demo connectors, broadening the
accessibility for various kinds of EV models.
Now Starbucks and Volvo have shared insights into their
decision to pursue this venture. They identified a gap in the EV
charging infrastructure, especially along the corridor
connecting Seattle and Denver. This initiative is seen as an
opportunity to bridge this gap, catering to the needs of a
growing number of EV owners in the region.
Also, it brings people to their shops and Starbucks is not alone
in its ventures into the EV charging market.
Other food and retail chains like Taco Bell, Whole Foods, 711
and Subway and also numerous hotels are either adding or
planning to add EV chargers. This trend is a response to the
increased interest in E VS among American consumers and the
subsequent need for more charging stations.
Now, most US electric vehicles, excluding those made by Tesla,
use the CCS 1 connector for charging.
The CCS, or Combined Charging System, is widely adopted
standard in North America. Additionally, the Chad demo
connectors developed in Japan and used by some Asian car
manufacturers are also supported now Tesla, having developed its
own unique charging connector in port known as the North American
Charging Standard or knacks, has recently allowed other automatic
cars to utilize this design. And many leading automakers
including General Motors, Ford, Volvo, Hyundai, Honda and
Mercedes to name a few, are now adopting knacks for their new EV
models. Starbucks, recognizing the
evolving landscape of EV charging, plans to include
stations compatible with Tesla's NECS connectors.
The company is also exploring partnerships with other
automakers to expand its EV charging station network.
Now, as part of its sustainability commitments,
Starbucks is working with Volvo Cars to install up to 60 DC fast
chargers along a scenic 13150 mile route.
Now this is powered by Chargepoint, and it began with
the first installation at a Starbucks in Provo, UT.
Now, this project is a component of Starbucks broader effort to
expand its renewable energy and decarbonization initiatives
across the United States, aligning with its environmental
sustainability goals. And the choosing route for this
EV charging station offers travelers the chance to visit
iconic locations in the West, such as Snoqualmie Pass in
Washington, the Snake River in Idaho, and the Arches National
Park in Utah. Now this enhances the appeal for
Rd. trips for all of these EV drivers, and this is a stop
along the way. People love Starbucks, so
they're going to go to Starbucks anyway.
You may as well charge your car while you're there.
Now with the Target to cut its global carbon footprint by 50%
by 2030, Starbucks is redefining its store experience to foster
greater connectivity, convenience and positive
environmental impact. Introducing the EV charging
station is part of this whole system.
The broader ambition for Starbucks is to get people to
their stores to buy their goods, and it's really nice to be able
to charge your car while you're waiting in line for an espresso.
A charge points DC fast chargers can efficiently recharge
vehicles like the Volvo C40 Recharge from 20% to 90% in
about 40 minutes. However, this efficiency is
subject to various factors including temperature
conditions, battery health in the specifics of the charging.
Edit this out in the specifics of the charging equipment and
the vehicle. Just a little side note, this is
not a sponsored podcast today. This is this is a news podcast.
It's not sponsored by Starbucks or Volvo.
But Starbucks entry into the EV charging market signifies an
important shift in the retail and service industry.
Acknowledging the growing demand for EV infrastructure and by
integrating charging stations into their locations, Starbucks
is actively contributing to the expansion of the EV charging
network in the United States. The introduction of EV charging
stations by Starbucks. It has been met with positive
responses by both consumers and industry experts.
This move is seen as a proactive step in catering to the needs of
US EV owners and promoting the use of electric vehicles.
Now Starbucks has said that they have an interest in further
expanding its network of EV charging stations.
Could you imagine going to Starbucks anywhere you are along
the highway stopping, hinting at potential collaborations with
other automakers? Starbucks is doing too, possibly
Tesla in the future. And while you're inside getting
your coffee, you charge your car.
This could also be a major revenue stream for the future,
because eventually we're all going to be paying for charging.
No matter who we are, no matter what kind of car we run, it's
going to be pay to play. So charge you for your coffee,
Also charge you for your charging, and it's only a matter
of time before all retail locations have charging in their
parking lots. Thank you so much for tuning
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