In a groundbreaking announcement made during an exclusive interview with Tom Moloughney from State Of Charge, Walmart has confirmed its commitment to developing a comprehensive ultra-fast DC fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. This initiative, which has been under consideration since at least 2023, marks a significant leap forward for the company, which currently operates more than 5,200 Walmart and Sams Club locations across the United States. With this venture, Walmart is poised to become a pivotal player in the EV charging landscape by 2025.

The decision to establish this extensive charging network follows years of collaboration with various third-party charging networks, including Electrify America and EVgo. Furthermore, Walmart has conducted in-depth testing of different charging layouts and equipment within its stores. This strategic move is largely driven by the exponential rise in electric vehicle ownership and a keen focus on customer convenienceallowing shoppers to recharge their vehicles while they shop.

Thousands of Charging Stations by 2030

As the largest retailer in the world, Walmart boasts over 4,600 stores in the United States, along with around 600 Sams Club locations, creating a vast network of over 5,200 potential sites for the installation of new EV charging stations. These locations are characterized by high foot traffic and expansive parking lotstwo critical assets when establishing charging infrastructure.

Adam Happel, who serves as the General Manager for Retail EV Charging at Walmart, has announced plans to install thousands of EV charging stations by 2030. This ambitious timeline positions Walmart among the leading DC fast-charging networks in the U.S. The exact number of DC fast-charging stalls at each location will vary, but early estimates suggest that the total could reach into the five-digit range within just a few years.

Moreover, approximately 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart or Sams Club, making this initiative not only expansive but also accessible to a vast majority of American consumers.

400-kW Chargers (NACS and CCS1)

Walmart's strategy includes constructing a robust charging network that it will own and operate, providing access to customers through its own Walmart app. Recently, Moloughney visited one of the pilot sites in McKinney, Texas, where Walmart has deployed 400-kW Alpitronic HYC400 chargers. A video from his visit also indicated that ABB will be another supplier for the charging stations.

Each Alpitronic charger features two ports: one utilizing the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and the other using the CCS1 standard. Initially, Walmart plans for a 50/50 distribution between these two connector types, with a gradual shift toward a full NACS setup as the market evolves toward this newer standard. Notably, there are no plans to roll out legacy CHAdeMO chargers, which may disappoint current Nissan Leaf owners who rely on that technology.

Access to the Chargers

Currently, users can access Walmart's charging stations via the Walmart app. The process involves scanning a QR code at each charger, selecting the appropriate connector type, and plugging in the vehicle. While a direct credit card payment option is not yet available, Walmart plans to implement this feature in states where it is required by law.

During his visit, Moloughney tested one of the chargers with a GMC Hummer EV and successfully charged the vehicle from a mere 1% to 53% in just 27 minutes, drawing over 100 kWh of power.

The first three charging stations are located at:

  • Springdale Supercenter in Arkansas (pilot location)
  • Cross Roads Supercenter in Texas (pilot location)
  • McKinney Supercenter in Texas (first official location)

Pricing for Walmart EV Charging Network

During Moloughney's visit to Texas, he noted that the price of charging was set at $0.42 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which was slightly more affordable than other networks operating in the vicinity at that time. Walmart's reputation as a value-oriented retailer suggests that it may offer competitive pricing for DC fast charging, which could further entice customers to visit its stores.

Additionally, Happel hinted that Walmart Plus members may receive special rates for EV charging, similar to the discounts they enjoy on other Walmart products and services. However, pricing may vary by location due to differing electricity costs, and customers can expect to see attractive membership offers in the future.

Charging Station Design

Walmart plans to strategically position EV charging stations a short distance from the entrances of its stores to ensure visibility and attractiveness while minimizing the risk of ICEing (internal combustion engine vehicles blocking EV chargers). Some store locations may have pull-through stalls designed for larger vehicles and those towing trailers. The decision to incorporate such features will depend on several factors, including the specific location.

Walmart aims to provide a sufficient number of charging stalls to minimize wait times, leveraging the expansive nature of its parking lots to facilitate easy future expansion in response to growing demand. The company is also designing these sites with potential expansions in mind.

Final Thoughts

Walmart's EV charging network represents a significant development in the realm of electric vehicle infrastructure. The companys existing locations and substantial resources position it well for rapid expansion. Moreover, the convenience of being able to charge a vehicle while shopping could become a transformative experience for many EV owners, especially those living in apartments without home charging options. This charging network may ultimately be more frequently utilized for routine charges rather than for long-distance travel.

Another notable advantage Walmart holds over its competitors is that it employs staff at each location, who are available to assist customers experiencing issues with the charging process. In contrast, many other EV charging networks depend on leased spaces in existing parking lots, where there is often no staff to provide immediate assistance. With Walmart's charging network, customers can easily walk into the store and seek help from trained employees.

The key question remains: how effectively will Walmart execute this ambitious rollout? The project is being spearheaded by Adam Happel, a seasoned professional in the EV charging sector who has previously worked with EVgo and Rivian. Given Walmarts experience with third-party charging networks and its selection of reputable charging equipment manufacturers, there is widespread optimism for a reliable and user-friendly charging experience within the Walmart EV charging network.