In a recent press release, Walmart announced plans to install new electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the country.
Vishal Kapadia, Senior Vice President, Energy Transformation, said in the release, "By 2030, we intend to build our own EV fast-charging network at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations coast-to-coast. This would be in addition to the almost 1,300 EV fast-charging stations we already have available 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," Kapadia said in the release. "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."
This news from Walmart is a big step toward increasing the accessibility of EV charging for millions of Americans. A recent EC&M article by Tom Zind discussed the accessibility of EV charging stations and a Feb. 15 announcement from the White House that detailed an action plan to address EV charging disparities. In addition to announcing the new standards addressing the user experience, the White House outlined an array of other actions aimed at building out a national EV charging network that will put more EVs on the road.For more information, read "Factors Affecting Accessibility of EV Charging Services."
