Starbucks-Mercedes EV Charging Partnership Sparks Market Interest
Starbucks shares gained 1.5% Tuesday after unveiling DC fast-charging stations for electric vehicles at select California locations. The 400 kW chargers—compatible with both NACS and CCS systems—can deliver 300 miles of range in 10 minutes, creating potential dwell time synergies with Starbucks' 'third place' strategy.
The Red Bluff pilot site along I-5 represents an unconventional cross-industry play. While charging infrastructure typically falls to energy firms or automakers, Starbucks' MOVE capitalizes on existing customer stopover behavior. 'This isn't about selling more coffee—it's about monetizing the 20-30 minutes drivers spend waiting,' noted a Bernstein analyst.