Walmart has announced a major expansion of its EV charging stations, with plans to deploy its own network.
Walmart currently partners with Volkswagen’s Electrify America to provide charging stations at its stores. As EVs gain in popularity, the retail giant is looking to deploy its own chargers, giving it more control over pricing and availability.
Vishal Kapadia, Senior Vice President, Energy Transformation, outlined the company’s plans:
With a store or club located within 10 miles of approximately 90% of Americans, we are uniquely positioned to deliver a convenient charging option that will help make EV ownership possible whether people live in rural, suburban or urban areas. Our goal is to meet the needs of customers and members where they live and open the road to those driving across the country. Easy access to on-the-go charging is a game-changer for drivers who have been hesitant to purchase an EV for concerns they won’t be able to find a charger in a clean, bright and safe location when needed.
What’s more, with our chargers located on site with our Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam’s Clubs, we can offer customers and members the convenience of being able to pick up essentials for their families or grab a bite to eat while they charge. And in line with our purpose, we aim to offer Every Day Low Price charging – helping ease transportation costs, still the second highest household cost for much of our country.
The company plans to deploy the new network by 2030, complementing the 1,300 charging stations it already has via its partnership with Electrify America.
