VW’s Electrify America partners with Walmart for the deployment of its ‘ultra-fast’ charging stations

After unveiling their charging stations with new suppliers yesterday, VW’s Electrify America has now announced a partnership with Walmart for the locations of those stations.

‘More than 100 Walmart stores’ will be home to Electrify America’s ‘ultra-fast’ charging stations.

Walmart already has electric vehicle charging stations at many of its stores across the U.S., but the new effort is expected to double the current EV infrastructure at the retail chain.

Mark McNabb, President and CEO of Electrify America, commented on the announcement:

The expansion of Walmart’s electric vehicle charging facilities with our ultra-fast charging systems will provide consumers with a quick and convenient way to charge their vehicles in the time it takes to make their Walmart purchases. EV owners need a convenient, reliable and fast turnaround in recharging their vehicles. Walmart is the perfect partner for Electrify America to bring electric charging services to EV owners who value their time.

The company says that all the charging stations will offer a CHAdeMO (50kW) connector, plus additional dual-handle dispensers with CCS1 (50 to 350 kW) connectors.

They plan for the stations to be deployed at the “more than 100 Walmart locations across 34 states by June 2019”.

Electrek’s Take

I am not completely sure of the convenience of having fast-charging stations at Walmart stores.

The main goal is to enable long-distance travel and therefore, you need stations located near highways strategically placed on popular routes.

I suppose many of Walmart stores fit that description and hopefully, they will choose the stores that make the most sense in terms of locations.

Now EV drivers also want amenities while they are charging.

Walmart stores certainly provide a lot of those and they are generally located in commercial areas with other stores and restaurants around, so it shouldn’t be a big issue.

But I’m curious to know what you think about charging at Walmart. Still better than a gas station? Let us know in the comment section below.