Walmart announces EV charging network expansion

Walmart announced last week it will expand its fast-charging electric vehicle charging stations across the country.

The superstore chain said it would be installing fast-charging stations at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations throughout the U.S. to make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible, reliable, convenient and affordable. The company said it expects to build its own charging network by 2030. The expansion would add to the nearly 1,300 EV charging stations already available at more than 280 U.S. Walmart facilities, the company said.

“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,” Vishal Kapadia, senior vice president, Energy Transformation said in a post on Walmart’s blog. “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.”

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), which represents the nation’s investor-owned electric companies that are working to deploy EV fast charging infrastructure, said it supported Walmart’s announcement.

“EEI applauds @WalmartInc for its commitment to help make #EV ownership more accessible, reliable, convenient, and affordable for customers across the country,” EEI tweeted on Thursday.