Walmart plans to build out its own EV fast charging network, with the goal of creating something much bigger than what it currently has with Electrify America.
The company on Thursday announced plans to install “thousands” of chargers at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores nationwide by 2030. That’s in addition to the nearly 1,300 fast chargers already available at more than 280 locations in the United States. States, a company press release said.
Walmart announces plans for EV . fast charging network
The timing of the first charger’s installation was not discussed, but the release says Walmart plans to emphasize low prices. That’s almost like a stab in the face US electrification has recently increased in price, has seen regular users achieve a 15% increase in rate. When it announced the increases in February, Electrify America attributed them to “increased energy and operating costs”.
Walmart and Electrify America used to work together on fast charging for electric vehicles, but now both companies appear to be heading in different directions. American electrification announced its Walmart settings back in 2018 and since then it seems to have branched out into other types of places.
Canoo Lifestyle Delivery van with Walmart logo
Since partnering with Walmart, Electrify America has added corporate partners like Ikea, Bank of America, grocery store Meijer, and Love’s Travel Stops to store its fast chargers. It is also starting to look at city-wide charging and locations at national parks in an effort to expand beyond roadways.
Meanwhile, Walmart’s interest in electrified transportation dates back many years. In 2014 it produced a The concept of selling electricity expands the scope. Walmart also placed a large order with Canoo for 4,500 electric cars—breathing fruitful new life into that startup last year.
