Walmart has moved from a minor player to a serious contender in public EV charging. New data shows the retailer now operates more fast chargers than Costco, and it's adding stations at a pace few competitors can match. For EV drivers, this matters because it changes where a quick, reliable charge might be waiting on an everyday errand.
How Big Is Walmart's EV Charging Network Now?
According to U.S. Department of Energy data reported by Bloomberg, Walmart had installed roughly 46 public fast-charging stations with about 380 charging cords by June 2026. Chargers are now live at around 326 of Walmart's nearly 4,600 U.S. stores, and charging analytics firm Paren estimates another 300 stations are currently under construction.
That's a notable shift for a company that spent years hosting third-party charging brands like Electrify America in its parking lots. By March 2025, Bloomberg noted, every charger at a Walmart location had switched to the retailer's own branding — a sign the company sees charging as a long-term part of its business, not just a side project.
Walmart vs. Costco, Target, and Home Depot
Walmart's growth stands out even more when compared with other big-box retailers building out charging infrastructure:
- Costco operates about 42 high-speed charging stations
- Target runs roughly 150 high-speed charging stations
- Home Depot and Lowe's together have about 101 stations
Walmart's footprint already outpaces Costco and is closing in on some of the larger players, driven largely by how many locations it has to work with across the country.
Why This Expansion Matters for EV Drivers
About 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart, according to S&P Global data cited by Bloomberg. That reach matters because roughly 7.6 million plug-in vehicles are now on U.S. roads, and many drivers — especially apartment residents without home charging — still rely on public stations to top up.
Walmart's charging prices are reportedly below the national average, with additional discounts for members of its loyalty program. Because Walmart stores are common in rural areas and parts of the South that have historically had fewer charging options, this expansion could ease one of the biggest practical barriers to EV ownership: simply finding a place to plug in.
There's also a business logic behind it. Industry analysts note that chargers installed near stores tend to increase in-store sales, giving retailers an incentive to keep expanding even without charging itself being the main profit driver.
What This Means for Everyday Charging
Public networks like Walmart's are a strong option for topping up during a shopping trip or a longer road trip. But most EV owners still do the bulk of their charging elsewhere — at home, at work, or wherever they park overnight. Having the right equipment on hand makes both public and private charging less of a hassle:
- A dependable portable EV charger for flexible charging away from fixed stations
- A properly rated EV charging cable for home setups or backup charging
- The right EV adapter to match different connector types across networks and outlets
Whether you charge at home, at work, or on the road, having the right EV charging equipment can make everyday charging more convenient. As networks like Walmart's continue to grow, pairing public charging access with reliable equipment for home or travel charging is a practical way to stay ready wherever the road takes you. You can browse EVPEIWE's full range of EV charging solutions to find what fits your setup.
FAQ
How many EV charging stations does Walmart have?
Walmart had about 46 public fast-charging stations with roughly 380 charging cords installed at around 326 U.S. stores as of June 2026, according to Department of Energy data reported by Bloomberg.
Is Walmart's EV charging network bigger than Costco's?
Yes. Walmart's charging network has surpassed Costco's, which operates about 42 high-speed charging stations, according to charging analytics firm Paren.
Are Walmart EV chargers cheaper than other networks?
Reports indicate Walmart's charging prices are below the national average, with further discounts for members of its loyalty program.
Why is Walmart investing in EV charging?
Industry analysts note that EV chargers near stores can help increase in-store sales, giving retailers a business incentive to expand charging access even beyond direct charging revenue.
Do I still need my own EV charging equipment if public networks are expanding?
Yes. Public charging is useful for topping up on trips, but most EV owners still rely on home or portable charging equipment for daily convenience and backup options.