Walmart's EV charging plans include D-FW
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Walmart is planning to build its own EV fast-charging network, starting with stores in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Why it matters: Private investment in charging stations is critical to creating the nationwide network needed to spur more EV ownership.
Context: Many companies are installing fast-charging stations — which are less prevalent than the slower Level 2 chargers — to lure customers.
- RaceTrac installed EV chargers at five North Texas locations this year.
The big picture: EV adoption remains relatively low in the U.S.
- The federal government is trying to entice more people to go electric by offering one-time tax deductions and spending millions of dollars on new charging stations in D-FW and elsewhere.
Zoom in: Walmart plans to install fast-charging stations at 15 Dallas-Fort Worth stores by the spring, per the Star-Telegram.
- The list includes Walmarts in Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, Irving and Plano.
- The company plans to install fast-charging stations at thousands of Walmart and Sam's Club stores "coast-to-coast" by 2030.
What they're saying: "With a store or club located within 10 miles of approximately 90% of Americans, we are uniquely positioned to deliver a convenient charging option that will help make EV ownership possible whether people live in rural, suburban or urban areas," the company said last year.
By the numbers: Fast chargers take around 20 minutes to an hour to charge a battery electric vehicle. Regular chargers take between four to 50 hours depending on the voltage, per the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Reality check: EV adoption in Texas is growing, but remains low compared to other types of vehicles.