KUALA LUMPUR: Starbucks Malaysia aims to have electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across all 76 of its drive-thru outlets for the convenience of its customers.
Berjaya Food Bhd group chief executive officer and Starbucks Malaysia & Brunei managing director Datuk Sydney Quays said the company had explored the initiative three years ago but had to put the plans on hold due to Covid-19.
"Right now, we have close to 76 drive-thru outlets, and we want to provide this convenience for our customers where they can charge their EVs at our outlets.
"In the future, we hope to have charging stations at all of our drive-thru locations if the space permits," he said during the launch of the Starbucks chargEV charger.
The company partnered with Yinson GreenTech to launch the first of its EV charging stations powered by chargEV at Starbucks Eco Grandeur, Puncak Alam.
Over the next three years, more EV charging stations comprising both direct current (DC) fast chargers and alternating current (AC) charging points will be built within Starbucks' network of drive-thru stores in Malaysia as part of the brand's commitment to be a more resource-positive company.
"As a company, we have always been passionate about protecting our planet and driving innovation to enhance the Starbucks experience for our customers.
"The inclusion of EV chargers in our stores represents a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts as a company, and we hope it will lead the retail industry towards a decarbonised future for Malaysia," he said.
Berjaya Food Bhd chief financial officer Louise Chin said the current lack of adequate charging infrastructure remains a significant deterrent for many to purchasing an EV.
"Together with Yinson and chargEV, we are creating an EV charging network that can fit seamlessly into everyday lives and thereby enhance our customer experience," she said.
She added that the company's goal is to have a network of charging stations across all stores within approximately 150 kilometres along the northbound and southbound highways to create a line of EV-friendly stores.
With the launch, there are 26 EV charging stations at 17 Starbucks stores within Klang Valley, Penang, Malacca and Johor.
Yinson GreenTech senior vice president of electromobility Ruslin Tamsir said the company is delighted to support Starbucks' ambition of innovating with more responsible stores by providing chargEV solutions to their outlets.
"We are jointly committed to rolling out even more charge points over the next few years.
"The chargEV team welcomes other like-minded businesses to engage with us to find out about our integrated EV solutions and how they, too, can participate in Malaysia's EV transition," he said.
chargEV is the nation's largest public charging network, operating over 400 charging points nationwide.
Two types of charging points are offered based on the EV users' charging needs, namely the DC fast chargers at 50 kilowatts to allow quick charging speeds that typically do not exceed an hour, while the standard AC chargers slowly charge EVs beyond an hour.
To utilise the charging stations, EV drivers need to download the chargEV application via the Apple Store or Google Play store to activate their charging sessions.
EVs of today feature Type 2 and combined charging system (CCS2) combo plugs that are compatible with charge.
Ruslin added that customers can enjoy free charging for their EVs beginning today until the end of the month.
In addition, Starbucks customers who are active chargEV members and opt to charge their EVs at one of the 17 Starbucks stores can enjoy up to 50 per cent off their first grande handcrafted beverage purchased in a single receipt beginning November 1.
Customers must only flash their chargEV membership ID on the mobile app at the counter to redeem.
The promotion is valid for 12 months and subject to the terms and conditions of the promotion, which are made available at the participating Starbucks stores and on the chargEV Facebook page.