Walmart will add thousands of locations where electric vehicle (EV) charging stations can be accessed, Walmart’s Sr. Vice President of Energy Transformation said on Thursday.
Vishal Kapadia wrote on the company’s blog that it plans to install thousands of new EV fast-charging stations at Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the country by 2030. Those charging stations would join the more than 1,300 charging stations at 280 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations already in place. The move, Kapadia wrote, was intended to make EV ownership more accessible, reliable, convenient and affordable.
“With a store or club located within 10 miles of approximately 90 percent 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,” he wrote. “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.”
The move would allow EV owners to charge their vehicle onsite while shopping or “grabbing a bite to eat.” Walmart said the company would offer “Every Day Low Pricing” on charging in an effort to help American families with transportation costs.
Kapadia also wrote that expanding the EV charging network would further the company’s commitment to help people live better, easier and more sustainable lives.
The plan is the latest investment in Walmart’s effort to transform its business and product supply chain to being more regenerative. The company recently announced its goal of achieving zero emissions by 2040, and, as of last year, has moved many of its W+ customer deliveries to EVs.