Walmart wants to expand its EV charging network in the US

The retail giant argues it has a proximity advantage

Image credit: Canva

Yesterday, Walmart announced it intends to significantly expand its electric vehicle charging network in the U.S.

Here are a few key points:

• The retailer currently has about 1,300 EV fast-charging stations at more than 280 U.S. facilities.

• By 2030, Walmart would build its own EV fast-charging network at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations (Sam’s Club is a Walmart division specializing in wholesale).

• The company thinks it has a serious proximity advantage, with “a store or club located within 10 miles of approximately 90% of Americans”. Perhaps, this could increase EV adoption in rural areas.

I definitely agree about the last point. Walmart’s omnipresence is undeniable, and given that a 30 minute fast charge provides a fair amount of autonomy in most cases, this seems like a decent plan.