Walmart's EV charging network and what it covers

Walmart operates a network of EV chargers at hundreds of its stores across the United States through a partnership with ChargePoint. Most of these chargers are Level 2 chargers, which add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. A smaller number of locations offer DC fast chargers, which can add 200 miles or more in 20 to 30 minutes, though availability varies significantly by region.

The chargers are typically located in parking lots near store entrances or in dedicated charging areas. You can use them while shopping, running errands, or straightforward charging your vehicle. Walmart does not own or operate the chargers directly — ChargePoint manages the network, handles billing, and maintains the equipment. This means the experience and pricing depend partly on ChargePoint's systems rather than Walmart's policies alone.

As of now, Walmart has not announced plans to build its own proprietary charging network or to make charging free for customers. The chargers are available to any EV driver, not exclusively to Walmart shoppers, though the store locations mean you can combine charging time with shopping.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Walmart EV chargers are Level 2 units managed by ChargePoint, adding 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, with DC fast chargers available at select locations.
  • You pay through the ChargePoint app or network membership, not through Walmart, and pricing varies by location and charger type.
  • Chargers are open to all EV drivers during store hours, and you can charge while shopping or conducting other business.
  • Walmart's charging network is still expanding, so availability depends on your location and the nearest store with active chargers.

How to find and use a Walmart charger

To locate a Walmart charger, use the ChargePoint app or website and search by address or zip code. The ChargePoint map shows which Walmart locations have chargers, how many are available, whether they are Level 2 or DC fast, and real-time availability. You can also call your local Walmart to ask whether it has chargers on site.

To use a charger, you need a ChargePoint account, which you can create through the app or website. Once registered, you can start a charging session by scanning the QR code on the charger with your phone or using your ChargePoint card or RFID tag. The app shows you the session in progress, estimated completion time, and the cost accumulating in real time.

Charging sessions are billed by the minute or by the kilowatt-hour, depending on the charger and location. Level 2 chargers typically cost between $0.25 and $0.50 per hour, though some locations charge per kilowatt-hour instead. DC fast chargers cost more, usually $10 to $15 for a 20-minute session, but rates vary. You are charged only for the time the charger is actively delivering power, not for the time you spend shopping.

Pricing and membership options

ChargePoint offers both pay-as-you-go and membership plans. With pay-as-you-go, you are charged per session or per minute without a monthly fee. With a ChargePoint membership, you pay a monthly subscription (typically $9.99 to $19.99 per month, though this varies) and receive a lower per-minute or per-kilowatt-hour rate on Level 2 chargers. DC fast chargers usually have separate pricing regardless of membership status.

Whether a membership makes sense depends on how often you charge at public chargers. If you charge at home most of the time and use public chargers occasionally, pay-as-you-go is usually cheaper. If you regularly charge away from home, a membership can reduce your per-session cost. You can view pricing for specific Walmart locations in the ChargePoint app before you commit to charging there.

Some credit cards and EV-specific programs offer ChargePoint credits or discounts. Check whether your card issuer or EV manufacturer has a partnership with ChargePoint that could lower your costs.

Charging speed: Level 2 versus DC fast charging at Walmart

Level 2 chargers at Walmart are best for longer shopping trips or when you have time to spare. A typical EV battery adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour on Level 2, so a two-hour shopping trip might add 50 to 60 miles. This works well if you are running errands in town and want to top up while you are there, but it is not a solution for long road trips.

DC fast chargers, available at select Walmart locations, are designed for longer trips and faster charging. They can add 200 miles or more in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your vehicle and battery size. However, DC fast charging is more expensive per minute and is harder on battery longevity over time if used constantly. Most EV owners use DC fast chargers for road trips, not for daily charging.

Check the ChargePoint app to see which type of charger is at your nearest Walmart. If only Level 2 is available, plan your charging around your shopping time. If DC fast charging is available and you are on a road trip, you can charge more quickly but expect to pay more per session.

Walmart's charging expansion and future plans

Walmart has stated that it plans to expand its EV charging network, but the company has not released a detailed timeline or target number of locations. Expansion depends on demand, real estate availability at store locations, and grid capacity in each area. Some regions have chargers at many Walmart stores, while others have few or none.

The partnership with ChargePoint means Walmart is not building its own proprietary network like Tesla's Supercharger system. Instead, Walmart is adding chargers to existing store locations and relying on ChargePoint's technology and billing infrastructure. This approach is slower than building a dedicated network but allows Walmart to integrate charging into its existing store footprint.

If you live in an area with limited Walmart chargers, check other networks like Electrify America, EVgo, or ChargePoint's broader network at non-Walmart locations. Many of these networks are expanding faster than Walmart's current pace.

Troubleshooting common charging issues

If a charger is not working, the ChargePoint app usually shows its status as offline or unavailable. You can report a broken charger through the app, and ChargePoint will dispatch maintenance. Do not attempt to repair or force the charger yourself. If you have already started a session and the charger stops working, contact ChargePoint support through the app to dispute the charge.

If you cannot start a session, check that your ChargePoint account is active and your payment method is valid. Some chargers require you to be physically near them to start a session, so make sure you are in the parking lot. If the app shows the charger as available but will not start, try restarting the app or using a different payment method (card versus RFID tag).

If you are charged for a session you did not complete, contact ChargePoint support with your session ID and a description of what happened. ChargePoint can review the session data and issue a refund if the charge was in error. Keep screenshots of your app showing the session details.

Comparing Walmart charging to other public networks

Walmart chargers are one option among several public networks. Electrify America and EVgo operate the largest DC fast-charging networks in the United States, with thousands of locations. ChargePoint (the network running Walmart chargers) has more Level 2 chargers overall but fewer DC fast chargers than Electrify America or EVgo. Tesla Superchargers are limited to Tesla vehicles, though Tesla has announced plans to open some to other brands.

For Level 2 charging, Walmart is convenient if a store is near your home, work, or regular errands. For DC fast charging on road trips, Electrify America and EVgo typically have more locations along major highways. Many EV owners use multiple networks and apps to maximize their options. The ChargePoint app can show you both Walmart chargers and other ChargePoint-affiliated chargers in your area, which may be more numerous than Walmart locations alone.

If you are deciding whether to rely on Walmart charging, map out the Walmart locations between your home and places you travel frequently. If coverage is sparse, plan to use other networks as your primary option and Walmart as a secondary choice when convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Walmart customer to use the chargers?

No. Walmart chargers are open to any EV driver with a ChargePoint account. You do not need to shop at Walmart or have a Walmart membership. The chargers are straightforward located in Walmart parking lots and managed by ChargePoint.

Can I charge for free at Walmart?

No. Walmart does not offer free charging. You pay ChargePoint per minute or per kilowatt-hour depending on the charger type and location. Some employers or organizations may offer ChargePoint credits that could be used at Walmart chargers, but Walmart itself does not subsidize the cost.

What happens if I leave my car charging and forget about it?

You are charged only while the charger is actively delivering power. Once your battery is full, the charger stops and you stop being charged. However, some networks charge an idle fee if you leave your car connected after charging is complete. Check the ChargePoint app to see whether the specific charger has an idle fee, and plan to move your car once charging finishes.

Are Walmart chargers available 24/7?

Charger availability depends on store hours and parking lot access. Most Walmart stores are open late or 24 hours, but some chargers may be restricted to store hours or may be in areas that close at night. Check the ChargePoint app for the specific location's hours, or call the store directly.

Can I reserve a charger in advance?

ChargePoint does not offer advance reservations. You can see real-time availability in the app, but you cannot hold a charger for a future time. If you are planning a trip, check the app the day before to see whether chargers are typically available at your planned stop.