Walmart unveiled plans to build its own electric vehicle fast-charging network across the U.S., adding stations to thousands of stores by 2030.

In an April 6 announcement, the Bentonville, Ark.-based retail giant – which already has 1,300 third-party EV chargers up and running at 280 locations – said that installing new stations at Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations coast-to-coast will help make EV ownership “more accessible, reliable, convenient and affordable.”

Vishal Kapadia, senior vice president of energy transformation, said the move aims to encourage EV ownership by offering a convenient place for drivers to charge.

“Easy access to on-the-go charging is a game-changer for drivers who have been hesitant to purchase an EV for concerns they won’t be able to find a charger in a clean, bright and safe location when needed,” Kapadia said.

He went on to note that Walmart’s more than 4,700 stores and 600 Sam’s Clubs are located within 10 miles of around 90% of Americans.

“We can offer customers and members the convenience of being able to pick up essentials for their families or grab a bite to eat while they charge,” said Kapadia, who added that the company will extend its everyday low-price strategy to EV charging.

– VIDEO COURTESY OF WALMART

According to Reuters, the company is in the process of identifying suppliers but plans to own and operate the network. It also expects to add an average of four chargers at each participating store, the outlet reported.

A company spokesperson told NJBIZ Walmart is still determining where it will add chargers in New Jersey. Here, its retail footprint includes 35 supercenters, 27 discount stores and eight Sam’s Clubs.

Currently, there are EV charging stations at three Walmart locations in the Garden State: East Brunswick, Secaucus and Edison.

Walmart’s move – which is part of the company’s goal to reach zero emissions by 2040 – comes as more and more grocery stores, mall operators, restaurants and retailers add EV charging to their parking lots to serve the growing number of drivers transitioning from gas-powered to electric cars.

Between 2020 and 2021, New Jersey saw a 57% increase in EV ownership, up from 30,420 registered vehicles to 47,830, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. As of December 2022, there are 91,515 electric vehicles registered in the state, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.