Walmart is making headway on its plans to develop a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging stations. The retail giant is rolling out a series of charging stations across Arkansas.
Increasing the number of charging stations at Walmart parking lots is part of a $2 billion initiative by Electrify America, a Virginia-based charging network company, to increase the number of electric vehicles on the road. Electrify America is a unit of Volkswagen Group, and it already has approximately 130 charging stations based at Walmart stores.
Walmart has partnered with Electrify America to put their 150 kilowatt (kW) and 350kW DC fast chargers at Walmart parking lots. Customers will be able to plug in and shop, as these chargers are reportedly capable of charging vehicles up to 20 miles per minute. Electrify America’s chargers will feature CSS connectors and CHAdeMO chargers that are able to connect with a majority of electric vehicles.
Currently, there are five charging stations that are operational in Arkansas. These locations include the Walmarts at Clarksville (230 Market St.), Forrest City (205 Deadrick Rd.), Hope (2400 N Hervey St.), Little Rock (8801 Baseline Rd.), and Rogers (4208 S. Pleasant Crossing Blvd.).
According to reports, Walmart is aiming to add more than 300 new charging stations across the United States by the year’s end.
“Along with providing our customers with an enhanced shopping experience through added convenience, this initiative also allows us to contribute to the expansion and accessibility of our nation’s EV charging station infrastructure,” Mark Vanderhelm, vice president of energy for Walmart Inc. said, “Many of our Walmart associates and customers are EV drivers so providing access to these stations is the right thing to do for our customers, our business and the environment.”
Partnering with Walmart is a major accomplishment for Electrify America, as it opens up larger segments of the continental U.S. that have not been extensively served by the electric vehicle market.
“What Walmart offers is the heartland of America,” Brendan Jones, Electrify America’s chief operating officer, said. “That is a massive benefit geographically for us.”
Newspaper reports indicate that multiple states, including Washington, Wisconsin and New Mexico, are getting new charging stations. Walmart is adding at least six locations in Washington state.
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