The retail giant says it will set up chargers at thousands of Walmart locations across the U.S. at its namesake and subsidiary store locations

Walmart has announced it will operate its own charging network across the United States and, the retailer exclusively reveals to Electric Autonomy, that it is “exploring” the option in Canada.

While comprehensive details remain scant on Walmart’s U.S. plans, the company anticipates owning and operating charging in “thousands” of locations by 2030. It also says it will offer “Every Day Low Price charging,” which could mean more competitive charging rates for customers.

“We see our commitment today as a natural extension of our work to help customers and members live better, easier and more sustainable lives,” reads Walmart’s announcement, courtesy of Vishal Kapadia, senior vice-president of energy transformation.

“Our goal is to meet the needs of customers and members where they live and open the road to those driving across the country.”

Walmart currently hosts 1,300 Electrify America EV fast-charging stations at over 280 U.S. sites.

“With a store or [Sam’s 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 Kapadia.

Potential Canadian plans

Electric Autonomy approached Walmart to ask if it has any similar charging network plans for Canada.

The retail giant declined to provide any details, but a spokesperson did say in an email, “This is an area we’re exploring and we look forward to sharing more in the future.”

Walmart Canada operates over 400 stores in Canada and, previously, “committed to 100 per cent alternatively powered fleet vehicles by 2028,” according to the company’s website.

In 2020, Walmart Canada put in an order for 130 Tesla Semi trucks.

And already Walmart is building charging into at least some its stores in Canada. In March 2022, the company announced a new 140,000-square-foot Montreal store that would include EV charging.

Then, in April 2022, Walmart Canada opened a new grocery distribution centre in Surrey, B.C. That facility will be the “future hub for Walmart’s electric fleet, including semi trucks and a fully-electric yard truck fleet,” said the company at the time.