Walmart’s self-branded electric vehicle charging network has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 100th station in Monument, Colorado. The retail giant now operates fast-charging sites across 20 different states. The stations offer both CCS and NACS connectors, with most locations featuring between 8 and 16 charging stalls capable of delivering up to 400 kW of power. This specific site in Colorado was the first to feature the company’s own branded stations, following the installation of its initial charging station in April 2025.
Building on the existing customer base
Customers can initiate charging sessions and pay for them directly through the Walmart app. The company notes that Walmart+ members receive discounted rates on these services. Drivers can locate available sites through the Walmart EV charging website or via mapping partners like Apple Maps, Google Maps, PlugShare, Chargeway, and Chargehub. Walmart plans to add more payment options as the network expands.
Adam Happel, the General Manager of Walmart Retail EV Charging, stated that the company aims to make the charging experience feel as reliable and effortless as a typical shopping trip. “When a customer pulls into a Walmart to charge, we want the experience to feel as reliable and effortless as the rest of their shopping trip,” Happel said in a press release. “We’re proud to reach 100 sites, but our focus remains on building a network customers can count on every time they charge with us.”
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While the 100-site mark is a clear step forward, the network is still in its early stages compared to some industry rivals. The Arkansas-based retailer confirmed plans for thousands of locations at Supercenters and Sam’s Clubs by 2030, but even with 100 sites open, more Walmart locations currently host Volkswagen Group’s Electrify America network than its own branded stations. The company is working closely with local utilities to expand into markets where customers need greater access to convenient, dependable fast charging. It has noted that a store or club is located within 10 miles of approximately 90% of Americans.
Expansion beyond retail giants
Walmart is not the only major retailer entering the fast-charging space. In 2024, Costco began partnering with multiple providers, including Electric Era, to offer Costco-branded charging at select locations. This trend shows how traditional brick-and-mortar businesses are adapting their physical infrastructure to meet the growing demands of electric vehicle owners.
Industry growth in this sector is accelerating rapidly elsewhere, with the Ionna network serving as a primary example. Announced in 2024 and launched in 2025, Ionna is supported primarily by eight founding automakers — BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota. This coalition has already established more than 120 locations as of July, recently surpassing the Tesla Supercharger network in customer satisfaction scores. Walmart’s buildout, while robust for a retailer, moves at a pace distinct from these specialized charging consortia. The retailer’s strategy focuses on leveraging its existing footprint to serve current shoppers, ensuring that the infrastructure aligns with the daily routines of its massive customer base.
