Walmart's ambitious push to become a dominant force in electric vehicle charging infrastructure is gaining momentum, with the retail giant now listing 78 locations as "coming soon" on its website — a significant acceleration from just 31 locations reported weeks ago.

The expansion signals Walmart's intent to leverage its unmatched retail footprint to build one of America's largest privately-owned EV charging networks, potentially rivaling Tesla's Supercharger network in reach if not yet in scale.

The Scale of Walmart's Advantage

Walmart's entry into EV charging comes with a built-in advantage that no other company can match: physical proximity to the American consumer. The company operates over 4,600 Walmart stores and more than 600 Sam's Club locations across the United States, giving it over 5,200 potential charging sites.

Perhaps more importantly, over 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart store. This geographic saturation means the company can deploy chargers where people already go, eliminating the range anxiety that has plagued EV adoption.

"We're not just adding chargers — we're integrating EV charging into the shopping experience that millions of Americans already have."

— Walmart corporate statement

The Technical Specifications

Walmart isn't cutting corners on charging speed. The company plans to install 400 kW chargers — among the fastest available commercially — equipped with both CCS1 and NACS (Tesla-compatible) connectors. The dual-connector approach ensures compatibility with virtually every electric vehicle on the road today.

After extensive testing, Walmart has selected Alpitronic and ABB as its primary charging equipment suppliers for initial sites, though the company remains brand-agnostic and may diversify suppliers as the network scales.

Key Network Details:

  • Charging speed: 400 kW DC fast chargers
  • Connectors: Both CCS1 and NACS (Tesla-compatible)
  • Current locations: Approximately 16 live sites as of late 2025
  • Coming soon: 78 locations listed on website
  • Permit filings: Over 200 additional locations in various stages of approval
  • 2030 goal: Thousands of locations across Walmart and Sam's Club stores

Strategic Timing

Walmart's charging push comes at a pivotal moment for the EV market. While EV sales have grown steadily, the pace of charging infrastructure deployment has lagged behind vehicle sales, creating bottlenecks and anxiety for potential EV buyers.

The company's entry also comes as Tesla has opened portions of its Supercharger network to non-Tesla vehicles and amid broader consolidation in the charging industry. Several charging startups have struggled financially, and the market is ripe for well-capitalized players with existing real estate to step in.

The Business Model

Unlike Tesla, which built its Supercharger network primarily to support vehicle sales, Walmart's motivations are more complex. The company sees EV charging as both a revenue opportunity and a way to drive foot traffic to stores.

A typical DC fast-charging session can take 20 to 40 minutes — enough time for customers to shop, grab groceries, or eat at an in-store restaurant. This "dwell time" opportunity is particularly valuable for a retailer like Walmart, where incremental store visits translate directly into additional sales.

Competitive Implications

Walmart's aggressive expansion puts pressure on existing charging networks and may accelerate industry consolidation. Companies like ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America must now contend with a competitor that has essentially unlimited real estate and the financial resources to subsidize charging if necessary.

For Tesla, Walmart's entry presents both opportunity and challenge. The adoption of NACS connectors means Tesla drivers will be able to use Walmart chargers, expanding the overall charging ecosystem. However, it also means Tesla's Supercharger network is no longer a unique selling point for the brand.

What This Means for EV Buyers

For consumers considering an electric vehicle, Walmart's expansion is unequivocally positive news. More chargers in more convenient locations means less range anxiety and a more seamless ownership experience.

The combination of Walmart's network with Tesla's Superchargers, Electrify America's highway network, and various utility and government-funded chargers is creating an increasingly robust charging ecosystem that may finally put to rest concerns about EV infrastructure.

By 2030, if Walmart achieves its goal of equipping thousands of locations with fast chargers, the practical difference between EV ownership and gas-powered vehicle ownership — at least in terms of refueling convenience — may become negligible for most Americans.