Starbucks, Mercedes-Benz Launch I-5 EV Charging Hub

Starbucks and Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging opened their first joint EV station in Red Bluff, California, featuring 400 kW chargers with universal NACS and CCS compatibility along the I-5 corridor.

Starbucks and Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging have opened their first joint EV charging station in Red Bluff, California. The facility, located along Interstate 5, became operational ahead of the Thanksgiving travel period.

Highlights

  • Charging speeds reach up to 400 kW, capable of adding approximately 300 miles of range in 10 minutes
  • Universal compatibility with both NACS and CCS connectors at every stall
  • First location in a planned corridor spanning I-5 from Washington to Southern California
  • Open to all EV brands regardless of manufacturer
Starbucks, Mercedes-Benz Launch I-5 EV Charging Hub

Technical Specifications and Compatibility

The Red Bluff station features high-power chargers delivering up to 400 kW output. Each charging stall includes dual connector options:

  • NACS (North American Charging Standard)
  • CCS (Combined Charging System)

This dual-connector approach eliminates adapter requirements for drivers of any EV brand, addressing a common pain point in public charging infrastructure.

Strategic Corridor Development

The Red Bluff location represents the initial phase of a broader infrastructure initiative. The partnership aims to establish an electrified I-5 corridor connecting major destinations between Washington and Southern California.

The co-location model integrates charging infrastructure with existing Starbucks retail locations, allowing drivers to utilize amenities during charging sessions rather than waiting at standalone stations.

Additional station locations and deployment timelines have not been announced.

Source: Starbucks Newsroom

The EV Report
The EV Report Staff

The EV Report is the trade publication of record for vehicle electrification. Published by Hagman Media and edited by founder Brian Hagman, it covers battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, charging infrastructure, and battery technology for an audience of automotive engineers, fleet managers, and clean-mobility investors.