A Premium Pit Stop: Charge Fast, Sip Slow
Mercedes-Benz has flipped the switch on its first DC fast charging hub at a Starbucks—and it’s not just for Benz drivers. Located off I-5 in Red Bluff, California, the station offers 400 kW charging power and universal compatibility with both NACS and CCS connectors.
That’s enough juice to add up to 300 miles of range in just 10 minutes, depending on the vehicle. So yes, your coffee run now doubles as a supercharged top-up.
A Strategic Highway Network Is Brewing
This isn’t just a one-off. The Red Bluff site is the first in a series of EV charging hubs Mercedes-Benz plans to roll out at 100 Starbucks locations across the U.S., targeting high-traffic routes like Interstate 5. The idea? Turn everyday stops into high-speed energy hubs for modern drivers.
The Red Bluff launch comes via Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, a joint venture with renewable energy firm MN8 Energy. It’s part of a $1 billion investment to build a U.S. network of premium charging stations.
Chargers With Power — and Range
The new hub doesn’t just charge fast—it’s built to serve everyone. Each stall features both NACS and CCS plugs, meaning Tesla and non-Tesla EVs are equally welcome. And at 400 kW capacity, the system is among the fastest in North America.
This follows the first Mercedes-Benz HPC site launched in late 2023 at the company’s U.S. HQ in Georgia. Over 150 Mercedes-Benz fast chargers are already online nationwide, though the brand hasn’t released current totals.
Leadership on the Move
One last twist: Andrew Cornelia, CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, is stepping down this month. He’s heading to Uber as global head of electrification & sustainability—just as this new charging chapter begins.
Mercedes-Benz just installed its first 400 kW charger at a California Starbucks—fast charging with both NACS and CCS.
More locations are planned across 100 Starbucks stores nationwide. This could redefine the EV pit stop—coffee in hand, 300 miles added in minutes.
