Walmart is rapidly expanding its network of electric vehicle chargers designed for customers to use while shopping.
The network could help fill gaps in electric vehicle infrastructure in states with the greatest need for chargers. Walmart, which has more than 5,000 locations in the U.S. and hundreds in California, says more than 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of one of its stores.
The chargers also offer an incentive for customers to choose Walmart: Walmart Plus members will receive a 10% discount off an average price of $0.46 per kilowatt-hour of energy at the company's chargers.
Walmart chargers are now available in more than 75 locations in 17 states, with Texas having the most charging stations, followed by Florida and Arizona.
Matthew Nelson, Walmart's director of energy policy, said last week on LinkedIn that the network will soon reach 29 states, including California.
“We are delivering on the promise of affordable, reliable and convenient charging,” Nelson said in his post.
According to Walmart's website, six charging stations are coming to California soon, although the company did not offer a specific timeline.
The chargers will be installed in stores in Antelope, Brea, Fresno, Stockton, Suisun City and Vallejo.
Most charging sites in California will include eight to 16 fast-charging stations, Walmart spokeswoman Kelsey Bohl said.
The company first announced plans in April 2023 to install its own electric vehicle chargers in Walmart and Sam's Club stores, with the goal of installing thousands of chargers by 2030. In partnership with ABB E-Mobility and Alpitronic, it added 25 new charging sites in May and six more in June.
“Walmart is building a leading retail-integrated electric vehicle fast charging network, focused on providing an affordable, reliable and convenient charging experience where customers already shop,” Bohl said in an emailed statement. “Customers can charge while they shop, access stations through the Walmart app they already use, and benefit from affordable prices.”
The charging stations already available include 612 individual charging stations with 400 kilowatt chargers. Each station has a dual charging cable with combined charging system and North American charging standard connectors. The standard connectors, designed by Tesla, are smaller and lighter than the combined systems.
The main way to pay for the chargers is through the Walmart app, but the company is also experimenting with built-in credit card readers to allow those without the app to use the stations.
Customers can check charger availability in the Walmart app. The company said the chargers will be available 24 hours a day.
