Walmart

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.

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.