In support of Starbucks resource positive aspirations, the company will begin testing the operation of electric vehicles (EVs) to supply select stores in Seoul. Starbucks Coffee Korea today announced the rollout of a new partnership with long-time logistics provider CJ Logistics to transition Starbucks operational fleet in South Korea to electric vehicles, unveiled last year as part of Starbucks Coffee Korea’s bold sustainability commitments. Starting in April, six stores in the city center and Gangnam area will be supplied by EVs, with plans to gradually expand the fleet across the Seoul metro area and the supply chain nationwide. The round-trip distance from the distribution center to the stores is about 140 km, with each EV able to travel up to 180 km on a single rapid charge.

“I’m glad that the deliveries to our store will now arrive in electric vehicles,” says Philip, a partner at the Seoul Tower store in Namsan. “With our store located in the heart of Seoul, we are pleased to be the first to introduce this innovation, and as a partner I am very proud that Starbucks is leading the way in the introduction of more planet-friendly, sustainable operations.”

“We are incredibly excited to begin this new program in Seoul,” said David Song, ceo, Starbucks Coffee Korea. “Environmental sustainability is one of the major pillars of our social impact strategy, and our customers have joined us on this journey every step of the way. We’re proud to be able to share this new initiative to support the operations of our stores in Seoul, as we continue to work toward becoming a resource positive company.”

Since entering the market in 1999, Starbucks Coffee Korea has grown rapidly to become Starbucks fourth largest market, with more than 1,600 stores across 78 cities nationwide. Today, more than 20,700 partners proudly wear the green apron in Korea.