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Walmart has reached 100 company-owned and operated EV fast-charging sites across 20 U.S. states, up from 17 states one month earlier, with the milestone marked at a Monument, Colorado Supercenter. The retailer, which had no branded EV charging network less than two years ago, typically installs eight to 16 stalls per location using 400 kilowatt chargers from ABB Mobility or Alpitronic, with both NACS and CCS1 connectors. The Monument site features four dispensers serving up to eight EVs simultaneously.

Why it matters: Walmart's rapid rollout demonstrates how major retail landlords are becoming significant CPO players, creating procurement opportunities for high-power hardware suppliers like ABB and Alpitronic. The standardised eight to 16 stall format and exclusive reliance on 400 kilowatt units signals predictable tender requirements for contractors pursuing similar anchor-tenant deployments.

Walmart has reached 100 company-owned EV fast-charging sites spanning 20 states, with the milestone location in Monument, Colorado featuring eight plugs (four CCS1, four NACS) capable of up to 400 kW. Most Walmart sites deploy eight to 16 plugs using ABB A400 All-in-One and Alpitronic HYC400 Hypercharger units, which can deliver 200 kW to two vehicles simultaneously or 400 kW to one. A GMC Hummer EV test at a McKinney, Texas site demonstrated over 300 kW charging, reaching 1% to 53% in 27 minutes.

Why it matters: The 100-site milestone signals Walmart's rapid scaling of owned charging infrastructure, creating procurement opportunities for ABB and Alpitronic hardware across a growing multi-state network. The retailer's dual-standard (CCS1 and NACS) rollout and high-power hardware choices set a benchmark for site design and supplier selection in the retail charging segment.

Octopus Energy US has introduced Octopus Charge, a single app offering access to tens of thousands of charging stations across the United States and Canada. The programme builds on the success of the company's Electroverse platform in the UK and Europe, which since 2020 has grown to provide access to more than one million public charge points across more than 40 countries. Notable networks including Tesla, Electrify America, IONNA and Walmart are not yet listed among participating charge point operators.

Why it matters: A unified payment and access platform could simplify procurement decisions for fleet operators managing multi network charging needs and reduce driver friction at public infrastructure. The absence of major US networks limits immediate utility, but the model's European scale suggests potential for broader North American interoperability if adoption grows.

Walmart and Ionna are rapidly expanding their EV charging networks in the United States with pricing below market averages, according to Chargenomics data. Walmart is deploying 400 kW Alpitronic chargers with both NACS and CCS plugs, offering a 10% discount to Walmart+ members, and has installed hundreds of chargers in recent months. Ionna, backed by eight automakers including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota, has committed to building 30,000 fast chargers across the United States and Canada by 2030.

Why it matters: The combination of aggressive network expansion and competitive pricing from two major players signals a potential shift in the EV charging market towards price competition, which could influence procurement strategies and site selection for charge point operators. Walmart's rapid rollout demonstrates the viability of retail-anchored charging sites, while Ionna's automaker backing and 30,000-charger target represents significant new supply entering the market.

A YouTube creator drove a Chevrolet Blazer EV from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Oklahoma City and back using exclusively Walmart EV charging stations, with eight locations available along the route. The oldest charger had been open for only nine weeks at the time of the test. The family chose Walmart over Tesla Supercharging for access to amenities including bathrooms, food, baby supplies and air conditioned indoor space during charging stops.

Why it matters: The successful road trip demonstrates that Walmart's fast growing non Tesla charging network is already viable for long distance travel, offering CPOs a model that combines charging infrastructure with retail amenities. The test highlights how site selection with customer facilities can differentiate charging networks in competitive procurement decisions.

Walmart has deployed 100 DC fast-charging locations with 838 individual stalls across the United States, doubling its network from 50 sites in May 2026 to 100 by mid-July 2026. The retailer may reach 200 stations by the end of 2026 if the current expansion rate continues, according to network tracker Landon West.

Why it matters: The rapid deployment pace demonstrates a scalable retail-anchored charging model that CPOs and site hosts can benchmark. Walmart's acceleration signals growing confidence in the business case for high-volume, destination-based DC fast-charging infrastructure.

Walmart has launched its own branded EV charging network, opening approximately 46 high-speed stations through June 2025, including four in Bentonville, Arkansas since January. The retailer, which previously hosted third-party chargers from brands like Electrify America since 2018, now operates all stations under its own brand as of March 2024. Industry observers note Walmart has overtaken Costco and established charging operators in deployment speed.

Why it matters: A major retailer entering the charging market as an owner-operator shifts competitive dynamics for CPOs and could pressure pricing across public networks. Walmart's property portfolio and capital give it advantages in site control and deployment pace that pure-play charging companies must now counter in procurement bids.

Walmart's DC fast charging network has grown to 754 stalls across 90 stations in the United States, according to tracking by Landon West reported by EVChargingStations.com in July 2026. The network expanded by 50% in under two months, up from 500 stalls at 60 stations at the end of May 2026. The retailer is expected to reach 100 stations by August 2026.

Why it matters: The rapid 50% expansion in under two months signals aggressive procurement activity and demonstrates a major retail anchor scaling DC fast charging infrastructure at pace. CPOs and equipment suppliers should note the velocity as Walmart approaches 100 sites, indicating sustained demand for hardware, installation and operations contracts.

Walmart installed 368 new fast-charging ports in Q2 2025, ranking second behind Tesla's 1,185 and ahead of ChargePoint (333), Red E (315) and Electrify America (202), according to EV charging data platform Paren. The retailer accounted for 8.4% of new public fast-charging stations in the US during the quarter, despite holding below 1% all-time market share. Walmart jumped from ninth place in Q1 deployments, leveraging its 3,500-plus Supercenters footprint to avoid lease negotiations.

Why it matters: Walmart's rapid scaling demonstrates how retail site control can accelerate deployment timelines, offering a model for CPOs seeking anchor tenants with existing real estate. The retailer's Q2 velocity signals a major new competitor in the US charging infrastructure market, potentially reshaping procurement dynamics for equipment suppliers and installation contractors.

Walmart plans to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure across its California locations, offering discounted rates to members. The rollout forms part of the retailer's broader push to expand charging access at its stores. No specific site count or timeline was disclosed in the announcement.

Why it matters: The move signals growing retail interest in on-site charging as an amenity and revenue stream, while member pricing could influence site utilisation rates and inform future CPO partnership models at anchor retail destinations.

Walmart has grown its DC fast charging network to over 300 individual ports at 50 US stores, a 50% increase in one month following a similar 50% rise from February through April, according to InsideEVs. The ports deliver up to 400 kilowatts. General Manager Adam Happel confirmed the retailer is trialling card payment terminals at one station after customer feedback, with plans to roll out the feature to future sites alongside its existing app based payment system.

Why it matters: The rapid deployment pace and addition of card readers signal Walmart's intent to make charging more accessible for non app users, potentially reshaping expectations for convenience and payment flexibility at retail hosted charging sites. CPOs and site hosts may face competitive pressure to match both the rollout speed and the payment options Walmart is introducing.

Walmart has partnered with ABB E-mobility to install A400 All-in-One DC fast chargers at seven locations in the Phoenix area, with additional sites in Colorado, Florida, and Georgia as part of a broader US deployment. The A400 units deliver up to 400 kW to a single vehicle or 200 kW to two vehicles simultaneously, with installations underway in Mesa, Tempe, Apache Junction, and Queen Creek. Walmart operates more than 5,200 stores across the US, placing 90% of Americans within 10 miles of a location, and customers can initiate charging sessions through the Walmart app.

Why it matters: The deployment demonstrates how major retail chains with extensive property portfolios are becoming key CPO partners, offering ABB and similar suppliers access to high-footfall sites where studies show EV chargers can lift store visits by up to 4%. For procurement teams, Walmart's app-integrated charging model signals growing demand for turnkey solutions that tie hardware to existing digital platforms.

Italian hardware provider Alpitronic is testing its HYC1000 megawatt chargers at its Charlotte, North Carolina headquarters, delivering up to 1,000 kW for semi trucks and 600 kW for passenger EVs. The technology can charge batteries from 10% to 80% in 7 minutes or less, though current US market EVs cannot accept these charging rates. Alpitronic has secured supply deals with Ionna, Walmart, Mercedes Benz High Power Charging, Electrify America and BP Pulse.

Why it matters: Megawatt charging hardware is now available in the US market ahead of vehicle capability, giving CPOs and site hosts early access to future proof infrastructure that may accelerate procurement decisions as automakers develop compatible models. The technology addresses a key adoption barrier by promising refuelling parity with petrol stations.