Thousands of Stores, Thousands of EV Chargers
Walmart, along with its Sam’s Club division, is the biggest retailer in the U.S., with thousands of retail outlets across the country. Indeed, the company claims that it has a store located within 10 miles of approximately 90 percent of all Americans. That proximity to so many drivers puts the company in a unique position to deliver easy electric car charging. The company recently announced plans to build a nationwide charging network, adding “thousands” of Level 3 EV fast-chargers coast to coast.
Rolled out progressively between now and 2030, the new fast charging network would build on the 1,300 fast chargers already present at over 280 Walmart facilities across the U.S. Walmart promises that the fast-charging network will be easily-accessible, reliable, and convenient. For those without access to home charging – such as those living in apartment buildings that park on the street or in older underground garages – Walmart’s solution could help make EV ownership a reality for many Americans.
Easy Access to EV Charging Stations for the Public
“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,” said Vishal Kapadia, Senior Vice President, Energy Transformation at Walmart. “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.”
Chargers positioned near Walmart stores, where customers can charge while they shop, makes a lot of sense. Drivers can pick up essentials for their families or grab a bite to eat while they wait for their electric car to charge. Walmart also promises that fast charging on its network will be affordable, with “everyday low price charging” in line with the pricing policy in its retail stores.
EV Charging Network to Transform Walmart’s Business
Walmart’s charging network marks the latest investment in its efforts to transform its business and supply chains to be more regenerative – in this case helping reduce emissions and increase efficiency for customers. The company has stated it has a goal of achieving zero emissions with its supply chain and vehicle fleet by 2040, and many customers are already receiving deliveries via electric vehicles.
As more drivers transition to EVs, Walmart’s charging network will help to expand publicly-available EV charging capacity across the country. As more and more Americans switch to electric cars, the availability of public charging is going to become even more important. Walmart’s network should be a win for families and drivers across the country.
