Since the beginning of 2024, Walmart Inc. has rapidly expanded its network of high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, opening four new locations in Bentonville, Arkansas—a state that has traditionally lagged in EV adoption. These charging stations, located near Walmart stores and the local airport, are part of the company’s broader strategy to establish an in-house EV charging network nationwide.
Walmart’s push into EV charging marks a significant shift in the retail giant’s approach. While the company has hosted chargers from established brands such as Electrify America since 2018, all EV stations at Walmart properties are now branded under the company’s own network as of March 2025. Through June of this year, Walmart has launched approximately 46 public high-speed chargers equipped with around 380 charging cords, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy. This brings the total number of Walmart stores offering EV chargers to about 326 out of roughly 4,600 U.S. locations, with an estimated 300 additional stations currently under construction.
Walmart declined to provide specifics on future expansion but highlighted its extensive real estate holdings as a key asset in scaling the charging infrastructure. A company spokesperson noted that Walmart’s widespread footprint enables the retailer to make EV charging more accessible while also enhancing customer service.
Industry experts view Walmart’s strategy as timely and well-positioned. Bill Ferro, co-founder of EV consulting firm Paren, described Walmart’s progress as “steamrolling,” emphasizing the retailer’s optimal locations and the current market opportunity. The inherent time it takes for EV charging, typically longer than refueling a gasoline vehicle, offers retailers like Walmart a window to generate additional in-store sales as customers wait.
Despite a recent slowdown in U.S. EV sales following the expiration of federal incentives in September 2023, demand has shown signs of rebound amid rising gasoline prices influenced by geopolitical tensions. The U.S. market currently supports approximately 7.6 million plug-in vehicles, and statistics indicate nearly 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart store, underscoring the company’s potential reach.
Walmart is part of a competitive field among major retailers expanding EV charging options. Target Corp. operates around 150 high-speed stations, while Costco Wholesale has 42. Home improvement chains Home Depot and Lowe’s collectively maintain 101 stations. Market analysts note that charging infrastructure adjacent to retail locations typically boosts sales by about 5%, making it a complementary business rather than a primary revenue source.
U.S. public fast chargers remain heavily used, with a utilization rate near 16% in recent months and 16 million charging sessions recorded in June alone. Although Walmart’s presence in the EV charging landscape is still emerging, it ranks second only to Tesla in expansion activity during the second quarter of 2024. Walmart offers charging rates that are generally below the national average, with additional discounts for loyalty program members.
Experts believe Walmart’s combination of widespread access and competitive pricing could accelerate EV adoption in historically slower markets such as Arkansas. As these efforts continue, Walmart may well reshape both the EV charging network and consumer behavior across the country.