Walmart 400-kW fast chargers have reached a major milestone in the United States, with the retail giant opening its 100th company-owned and operated fast-charging site this month in Colorado. The network now spans 100 Walmart stores across 20 states, although relatively few EVs sold in the U.S. can currently take full advantage of the chargers’ 400-kW capability.
Walmart Expands Its 400-kW Fast-Charging Network
The new Walmart charging site is located at 16218 Jackson Creek Parkway in Monument, Colorado. Reaching 100 sites represents a rapid expansion, as Walmart had no branded chargers at its locations less than two years ago.
Most of Walmart’s 100 charging stations have between eight and 16 fast-charging stalls. The sites offer both CCS and NACS connectors, providing compatibility for most EVs.
“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,” said Adam Happel, General Manager, Walmart Retail EV Charging. “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.”
Drivers can start and pay for charging sessions through the Walmart app, while Walmart+ members can access lower charging rates. Walmart also plans to continue expanding its fast-charging network over the next few months and years.
Few U.S. EVs Can Use 400-kW Charging
Charging at up to 400 kW can significantly reduce the amount of time EV drivers spend at charging stations. However, very few EVs sold in the United States can currently maximize those speeds, with peak charging rates of up to 350 kW more common for certain EVs.
China has EVs capable of charging at speeds exceeding 800 kW. In the U.S., the Lucid Gravity is among the rare new EVs capable of charging at up to 400 kW.
At that rate, the Lucid Gravity can add 200 miles of range in under 11 minutes. Other EVs can charge at speeds of up to 350 kW, including the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
That means Walmart’s charging network currently exceeds the charging capabilities of most new EVs. A new generation of vehicles, however, is set to arrive with charging speeds of at least 400 kW.
Those vehicles include BMW’s iX3 SUV and i3 sedan, the Volvo EX60 and the Porsche Cayenne Electric.
Walmart’s Nationwide Charging Footprint
Walmart operates 5,200 stores and clubs across the United States, giving the company a substantial footprint for developing an EV charging network. Its locations, combined with its commitment to 400-kW fast chargers, position the network to support EVs with charging capabilities that have not yet widely arrived in the U.S.
The expansion comes as the U.S. continues to trail China in charging innovation. BYD is rolling out 1,500-kW flash chargers in China that can recharge EVs almost fully in just nine minutes, largely eliminating the speed advantage gas-powered vehicles have when it comes to refueling.
Walmart’s expanding network remains well short of that charging standard, but the company’s rollout of 400-kW fast chargers represents continued expansion of the U.S. public fast-charging network.
