Walmart has announced that it is expanding and modernizing its facilities in the U.S. to make it more sustainable. This means more energy-efficient equipment and lighting, lower-impact refrigerants, and EV charging points.
Over the next 12 months, the company plans to renovate 650 stores in 47 states and Puerto Rico. In addition, Walmart plans to build or renovate more than 150 stores in the United States over the next five years. All new and remodeled stores will reflect Walmart's store of the future concept, which includes EV chargers. Walmart explained that the plan is to build a network of EV fast charging stations from coast to coast: "We are also committed to developing an affordable network of EV fast charging stations from coast to coast, and we hope to make owning an electric vehicle a more convenient and easier option for Walmart shoppers and employees." ”
The company revealed its overall intentions in early 2023, stating at the time that it had nearly 1,300 charging points (provided by other networks) in 280 locations.
This could be a good approach, considering that about 90% of Americans have more than 4,700 Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs within a 10-mile radius. Currently, only a handful of new Walmart EV charging stations are available (requires the Walmart app).