Walmart increased its number of charging stations from none to 100 in less than two years.

      Walmart has inaugurated its 100th EV fast-charging station at a Supercenter in Monument, Colorado, and is now operating in 20 states, a significant increase from having none less than two years ago. The chargers, which deliver 400 kW, are exclusively sourced from ABB and the Italian company Alpitronic.

      Walmart has swiftly established itself as a competitive player in the charging sector, surpassing expectations. The retailer launched its 100th fast-charging station last week in Monument, Colorado, and has expanded its network to 20 states, growing from 17 just a month prior. Until less than two years ago, Walmart did not have any charging stations of its own. The rapid expansion has positioned it second only to Tesla in terms of new ports activated in the second quarter, with 612 stalls implemented in the first half of 2026.

      The hardware deserves notable attention. Walmart exclusively utilizes 400 kW chargers provided by ABB and Alpitronic. It's worth mentioning that Alpitronic is not an American firm; it was established in 2009 in Bolzano, South Tyrol, and holds approximately 30% of Europe’s DC fast-charging market. Additionally, it operates as a significant industrial entity rather than a startup, generating around €1 billion in revenue, employing roughly 1,100 individuals, and recording 135,000 charging points in operation by 2025.

      The American expansion was intentional, with Alpitronic opening its North American headquarters in Charlotte through a $9.3 million investment, creating 300 jobs, primarily in engineering and service roles. The Colorado location exemplifies the benefits of this investment, featuring four dispensers capable of delivering up to 400 kW to as many as eight vehicles simultaneously. The units come equipped with both NACS and CCS1 connectors and do not require separate power cabinets.

      In comparison, European retail charging networks are slightly ahead. By mid-2025, UK supermarkets had deployed 3,917 charge points, marking a 34% increase in 18 months, with Tesco alone operating 1,409 across 633 sites, amidst ongoing debates in Europe about EVs and chargers.

      However, the differentiation lies in power availability. Less than 60% of UK supermarket locations offer higher-powered charging options, while Walmart has standardized on 400 kW for all its installations.

      This situation reflects familiar patterns in the European industry. The continent has invested over €200 billion in electric vehicles and manufactures the necessary equipment, while the swiftest deployment is occurring in American parking lots. Therefore, the achievement belongs to Walmart even though the engineering expertise is sourced from the Alps.