EV Charging Coming to Thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club U.S. Locations

Walmart’s latest electric vehicle initiative is taking massive steps toward lowering transportation costs for its consumers, expanding options for shoppers who are EV owners, and increasing pick-up flexibility at both Walmart and Sam’s Club locations. 

The company has announced that it intends to build its own EV fast-charging network, implementing stations at thousands of locations across the country by 2030. This rollout adds onto Walmart’s existing 1,300 EV fast-charging stations at more than 280 U.S. facilities. 

“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,” said Vishal Kapadia, SVP of Walmart’s energy transformation department, in a statement.

Kapadia said the company’s goal is to meet the needs of its customers and members regardless of where they live, and EV charging can also placate the concerns of consumers who were on the fence about purchasing an electric vehicle due to a lack of charging stations.

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Benefits include lower transportation costs for EV owners, particularly important as it is the second highest household cost for much of the country, said Kapadia. Additionally, it will give shoppers the convenience of being able to pick up any items while charging their vehicle and grabbing a bite to eat at Walmart Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations.

The company has its eyes set on sustainability efforts, reducing emissions and increasing efficiency as it looks to transform its supply chains to be more regenerative, said Kapadia. This is a step closer toward Walmart’s goal of achieving zero emissions by 2040. 

It is also part of a multi-pronged approach to develop a sustainable transportation system across its 12,000 drivers,10,000 tractors, and 80,000 trailers driving 1.1 billion miles per year. To do this, Walmart has been transitioning away from diesel, moving toward liquid hydrogen and putting more emphasis on electric. For example, Walmart announced last year that it would be transforming its fulfillment strategy by implementing electric vehicles within its delivery efforts.

As more drivers transition to electric vehicles, said Kapadia, Walmart expects to expand its charging capacity across states. “We see our commitment today as a natural extension of our work to help customers and members live better, easier and more sustainable lives – a big win for busy families and drivers everywhere, our country and the planet,” she said. 

According to the International Energy Agency, an association focused on a sustainable energy future, electric vehicles are the key technology to decarbonise road transport — a sector that accounts for 16% of global emissions. In one scenario, the IEA expects an electric car fleet of over 300 million by 2030, and electric cars accounting for 60% of new car sales.