FOR:EV, the Edinburgh-based innovator in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has initiated the deployment of rapid charging stations at select Starbucks locations, marking a significant stride in Scotland’s journey towards sustainable transport.
The installations, which are already operational at Starbucks branches in Livingston and Dunfermline, are part of a broader initiative to make EV charging more accessible. Plans are in place to commence installations at additional Starbucks sites in Galashiels and Blairgowrie later this month.
These new hubs are equipped with state-of-the-art charging technology. The Livingston, Dunfermline, and Galashiels locations feature ultra-rapid 150kW C Series chargers capable of powering a typical EV from 20% to 80% in merely 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, the Blairgowrie site will host 100kW rapid chargers, achieving the same charge in 30-40 minutes.
The collaboration between FOR:EV and the landowners, Mungo Park and the Geddes SIPP, not only paves the way for the current installations but also opens the door for potential expansion of EV charging facilities at additional retail and hospitality venues throughout Scotland.
This initiative is a component of FOR:EV’s comprehensive strategy to construct an extensive network of over 1,700 EV charging points at 600 public locations across Scotland and the UK. The focus is on ‘destination’ charging points, with FOR:EV actively seeking partnerships with both single-site and multi-site landowners, as well as local authorities.
Calum Wallace, Business Development Manager at FOR:EV, commented on the development: “The installation of these new ultra-rapid charge points at Starbucks sites across Scotland will be very welcome at a time when EV ownership is increasing dramatically. Infrastructure like this will make it easy for EV owners to quickly top up their charge in the time it takes to have a coffee.”
He further emphasized the user-friendly aspect of the chargers: “In order to break down a key barrier to EV charging away from home, our chargers operate on a user-friendly ‘tap-and-go’ approach, with no registration or membership requirements, to make the experience as easy and stress-free as possible.”
Hamish Rankin, Head of Property at Mungo Park’s parent company, The Explorer Group, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with FOR:EV to provide our customers with rapid EV charging points at several of our sites. Their efficient charging system provides yet another high-quality service at our Starbucks drive-throughs as we continue to supply to local communities.”
This collaboration between FOR:EV and Starbucks represents a significant step forward in supporting the growing number of EV drivers. By integrating rapid charging infrastructure into everyday locations, FOR:EV and Starbucks are making sustainable travel more convenient and accessible, contributing to a greener future for Scotland’s roads.
