Edinburgh-based electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure provider, FOR:EV, has commenced the rollout of rapid charging stations at four Starbucks drive-thru locations, spanning from Perthshire to the Borders, in a move set to boost the growth of EVs in Scotland.
The installation has already been completed at Starbucks sites in Livingston and Dunfermline, while work is scheduled to begin at two additional sites in Galashiels and Blairgowrie later this month.
The charging hubs in Livingston, Dunfermline, and Galashiels are equipped with ultra-rapid 150kW C Series chargers, capable of charging a typical EV from 20% to 80% in just 20-30 minutes.
The 100kW rapid chargers at Blairgowrie will achieve the same charge level in 30-40 minutes.
FOR:EV has established a collaborative partnership with the landowners of these Starbucks locations, namely Mungo Park (Livingston, Galashiels, and Blairgowrie) and the Geddes SIPP (Dunfermline).
This partnership opens the door to potential development of EV charging hubs at more retail and hospitality sites across Scotland in the future.
This initiative is part of FOR:EV’s ambitious plan to create a widespread network of over 1,700 electric vehicle charging points at 600 public sites throughout Scotland and the UK.
The focus will be on public “destination” charging points, and FOR:EV is eager to partner with single-site and multi-site landowners as well as local authorities.
Calum Wallace, Senior Business Development Manager at FOR:EV, commented, “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 added.
Hamish Rankin, Head of Property at Mungo Park’s parent company, The Explorer Group, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “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 local communities,” he added.
FOR:EV’s expansion into Starbucks locations is a significant step towards making EV charging more accessible and convenient, further supporting the growth of electric vehicles in Scotland.
