Walmart’s upcoming charging network plans & first charge experience / review

[camrunr]

More DC fast charging stations is a good thing.



SUMMARY (by AI)

Summary

• Walmart’s Major EV Charging Initiative: Walmart is launching its own massive EV charging network, aiming to install thousands of stations across the U.S. by 2030. Unlike other networks that lease spaces, Walmart owns the land, stores, and parking lots, allowing full control over installation, expansion, and maintenance.
• Why Walmart? Strategic Strengths:
  • 5,000+ retail locations (Walmart stores + Sam’s Clubs) ready for deployment.
  • 650 billion dollars in revenue gives them the cash to self-fund the entire expansion.
  • 90% of U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart.
  • Massive parking lots allow flexibility in charger placement without competing for space.
• Equipment and Tech Details:
  • Walmart will use 400 kW DC fast chargers: initially Alpatronic HYC 400 and ABB chargers.
  • Chargers will support both CCS1 and NACS connectors, ensuring compatibility with most EVs.
  • Customers will authenticate charging using the standard Walmart app (no need for a special EV app).
• Customer-Centric Design:
  • Chargers positioned "front and center" at store entrances for safety, visibility, and convenience.
  • Sites will be well-lit, ADA compliant, and offer pull-through stalls for trucks and trailers at some locations.
  • Walmart plans to train store associates to help with EV charging issues, offering a human support system alongside a customer care line.
• Affordable Pricing Strategy:
  • Walmart will offer "everyday low prices", not necessarily always the cheapest, but the best value based on local electricity costs and competition.
  • No national flat rate; prices will be location-specific.
  • Special benefits are coming for Walmart+ members tied to EV charging discounts.
• Leadership and Experience:
  • Walmart hired Adam Hapel, a former leader from EVgo and Rivian, to oversee the EV program, ensuring leadership with deep industry expertise.
  • Walmart’s approach benefits from years of observing EV customer behavior via their partnerships with third-party networks like Electrify America.
• Reliability as a Key Differentiator:
  • Walmart’s constant on-site presence (staff and store managers) will allow quick identification and fixing of broken chargers, unlike traditional networks where problems can linger.
  • Having in-house operations means faster expansion, repair, and upgrade abilities.
• Massive Infrastructure Impact:
  • Walmart’s initiative could single-handedly double the number of DC fast chargers in the U.S. by the end of the decade.
  • Even with government cuts to EV programs like NEVI, Walmart’s investment (plus efforts by Tesla, Ayanna, and others) suggests that U.S. EV infrastructure will thrive.
• Vision for the Future:
  • Walmart sees EV charging not just as a business move but as an extension of its omni-channel retail ecosystem.
  • The goal is for customers to shop, eat, and charge in a single stop, making Walmart a central hub for American EV drivers.
  • Their flexibility (charger type, site design, future-proofing with extra conduits) means the network can adapt and grow with the industry.

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[Riviot]

43 minutes?! Tldw please.

 

[captainjp]

As per Gemini:


Here's a summary of the YouTube video about Walmart's plan to establish a nationwide EV charging network:
* Walmart's Entry into EV Charging: Walmart, the world's largest retailer, is entering the EV charging market with plans to install DC fast chargers at thousands of its locations [01:12].
* Scale of the Project: Walmart aims to have thousands of locations with tens of thousands of chargers online by the end of the decade [02:53].
* Strategic Advantages: Walmart possesses significant advantages, including numerous locations and substantial financial resources, overcoming common challenges faced by other charging networks [01:50].
* Charging Equipment and Authentication: Walmart intends to use Alpatronic HYC400s and ABB's high-power DC fast chargers initially. Charging will be authenticated through the Walmart app [06:38].
* Pricing Strategy: While pricing details are still under wraps, there's an expectation that Walmart will offer competitive rates, potentially undercutting existing market prices [07:43].
* Interview with Walmart's General Manager: Adam Hapel, Walmart's General Manager of Retail EV Charging, discusses the company's plans, emphasizing customer needs, strategic locations, and future-proofing the charging infrastructure [14:32].
* Customer-Centric Approach: Walmart's decision to enter the EV charging market is driven by customer demand and the opportunity to provide an additional service to EV-driving shoppers [16:17].
* Extensive Network: Walmart plans to build EV charging stations at thousands of its US locations by 2030, considering both Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs [17:19].
* Chargers per Location: Walmart aims for larger sites with more chargers per location compared to some existing networks, adapting to local market conditions and demand [18:27].
* Pull-Through Stalls: Walmart is considering including pull-through stalls for electric trucks with trailers at some locations [19:51].
* Connector Types: Walmart plans to offer both NACS and CCS1 connectors at its charging stations [23:48].
* Location and Security: Charging stations will be located in well-lit, easily accessible areas, prioritizing customer safety [25:48].
* Accessibility: Walmart is committed to ADA compliance, ensuring accessibility for all customers [28:06].
* Customer Support: Walmart will provide on-site and phone support to assist customers with charging [29:53].
* Pricing and Membership: Walmart aims to offer competitive pricing, potentially with discounts for Walmart Plus members [30:42].
* Walmart's Advantages: Walmart's existing infrastructure, on-site presence, and customer-focused approach give it a unique advantage in the EV charging market [38:02].
* Impact on EV Infrastructure: Walmart's entry into the EV charging market is expected to significantly boost the availability of charging stations across the US [41:02].

 

[Singletracker]

I think this is HUGE news, not just for travelers, but also for all those that don’t have at home charging available. With over 5000 retail locations, what’s not to like about the possibility of 10’s of thousands of new DCFC’s.

 

[iansriv]

Thanks for posting this. I've always been interested in this plan as it sounds like the most ambitious yet executable. Cheers.

 

[SANZC02]

This is really good news for EV charging, just the kind of competition we need.

When I picked up my R1S in Jan 2023 the trip home we dubbed the Great US Walmart tour.

We used EA for over 90% of the charging on that 5500 mile drive. Most of them were in Walmart parking lots very conveniently located for traveling.

 

[Aardvark]

Tom of State of Charge also pointed out that this plan alone shows significant future charging growth even with the likely demise of NEVI funding.
I'm excited by this. I've used a lot of Walmarts for charging between Colorado and the east coast. I love their locations and proximity to interstates. But my experience with the Electrify America chargers there have been mixed: broken stations, full stations, chargers throttled to 95 kW. I've had better charging with their 150 kW stations, than the 350 kW. If both are open now, I just opt for the 150s. When they work, they're great.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

As long as they are not in the dimly lit part of the parking lot. If they are don’t plan on leaving unattended. Good opportunities for tweakers looking for easy smash and grab.

Speaking of EA, was in San Diego visiting friends yesterday and thought to charge at EA nearby. But I just couldn’t sign-in to the app. It put me through an infinite sign-in/verification loop. EA blows.

 

[emoore]

ugh. by 2030? really means 2035 or never. This is just like Ionna, they claimed thousands of chargers and the have like a dozen over the last couple of years. Only network expanding rapidly is still Tesla.

 

[Budman]

Hopefully they will put some in areas well off the interstate. The freeways are pretty well covered but secondary roads not so much.

 

[captainjp]

ugh. by 2030? really means 2035 or never. This is just like Ionna, they claimed thousands of chargers and the have like a dozen over the last couple of years. Only network expanding rapidly is still Tesla.

I wouldn’t doubt Walmart. Tesla’s network is making them billions in revenue. Walmart will capitalize on this for sure

 

[emoore]

I wouldn’t doubt Walmart. Tesla’s network is making them billions in revenue. Walmart will capitalize on this for sure

I sure hope so but I've been burned with counting on other charging networks. So I'll wait and see.

 

[DuoRivian]

Tom of State of Charge also pointed out that this plan alone shows significant future charging growth even with the likely demise of NEVI funding.
I'm excited by this. I've used a lot of Walmarts for charging between Colorado and the east coast. I love their locations and proximity to interstates. But my experience with the Electrify America chargers there have been mixed: broken stations, full stations, chargers throttled to 95 kW. I've had better charging with their 150 kW stations, than the 350 kW. If both are open now, I just opt for the 150s. When they work, they're great.

Agreed, showed there was no need for government mandates and $7B since the private sector has and can support this and be more nimble.

 

[emoore]

Agreed, showed there was no need for government mandates and $7B since the private sector has and can support this and be more nimble.

More chargers more better. I don’t care where chargers come from. We just need more.

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

This is really exciting. There are Walmarts everywhere. They also have great customer service. Integrating this with Walmart+ is smart.
If they can maintain the stations, it will make roadtripping even easier.

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