What Walmart EV chargers are and where to find them

Walmart operates two separate charging networks at its stores. Electrify America chargers are the fast-charging stations you'll find in Walmart parking lots — these are the tall pedestal units that can add 200+ miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes on compatible vehicles. ChargePoint chargers are the Level 2 stations, which are slower but cheaper to use and are installed at some Walmart locations for longer parking sessions like shopping trips.

Not every Walmart has chargers. Electrify America stations are concentrated in major metro areas and along highways where Walmart partnered with the network. To find which Walmart locations near you have chargers, use the Electrify America app or website to search by zip code, or use the ChargePoint app for Level 2 locations. Both apps show real-time availability, pricing, and whether a charger is working.

Walmart itself does not own or operate these chargers — it leases parking space to Electrify America and ChargePoint. This means Walmart is not your billing contact; you pay the charging network directly through their app or membership plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Electrify America fast chargers at Walmart can add significant range in 20 to 30 minutes and are found mainly in urban and highway locations.
  • ChargePoint Level 2 chargers are slower but cost less per kilowatt-hour and work well during a shopping trip.
  • You must read the Electrify America or ChargePoint app to locate chargers, check availability, and pay for charging.
  • Pricing varies by network and location; Electrify America typically charges per minute or per kilowatt-hour, while ChargePoint rates depend on the host location.
  • Walmart stores do not manage the chargers, so customer service for charging issues goes to the network operator, not Walmart.

How fast charging at Walmart works

Electrify America's DC fast chargers use direct current to push power into your battery much faster than a standard outlet. When you arrive at a Walmart with an Electrify America station, you open the app, find the charger location, and reserve or start a session. The app shows you which charger plug type matches your vehicle — most modern EVs use either CCS or Tesla connector (though Tesla connectors are becoming standard across brands).

Plug in, and charging begins. The speed depends on your vehicle's battery capacity and the charger's power output. A Tesla Model 3, for example, might gain 175 miles in 20 minutes at a 150 kW charger, but a Chevy Bolt might charge more slowly because its battery accepts power differently. The app tracks your charge in real time and notifies you when you reach 80 percent — most people stop there because charging slows dramatically after 80 percent and you're paying per minute.

Cost at Electrify America typically runs $0.43 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour in most regions, though some locations charge per minute instead. A full charge from empty to 80 percent on a 60 kWh battery costs roughly $13 to $15, but you rarely charge from empty at a public station.

Level 2 charging during shopping

ChargePoint Level 2 chargers deliver power much more slowly — usually 6 to 7 miles of range per hour — but they cost less. These are the right choice if you're parking for two hours or more, like during a grocery run or shopping trip. A Level 2 charger might add 15 to 20 miles while you shop for an hour.

To use a ChargePoint station, read the ChargePoint app, locate the Walmart charger, and start a session through the app. Pricing varies by location and host; some Walmart locations charge a flat hourly rate, while others charge per kilowatt-hour. ChargePoint membership plans are also available if you charge regularly — these can lower your per-session cost.

Level 2 chargers are most practical if your daily commute is short and you're topping up rather than fully charging. They're also useful if you live in an apartment without home charging and need to charge during errands.

Pricing and payment methods

Electrify America and ChargePoint both require you to set up an account and link a payment method before you charge. You can pay per session with a credit or debit card, or you can join a membership plan. Electrify America offers a monthly subscription ($4 to $14 depending on the plan) that lowers your per-kilowatt-hour rate. ChargePoint has similar membership options that vary by region.

Pricing at the same charger can change based on demand and time of day. Some networks charge more during peak hours (typically midday and early evening) and less during off-peak times. Check the app before you plug in to see the current rate for that specific charger.

Neither Walmart nor the charging networks offer free charging as a standard benefit, though occasional promotions appear in the apps. Some Walmart locations may have had free charging during a limited launch period, but this is not ongoing.

Compatibility: Does your vehicle work?

Most modern electric vehicles can use Electrify America chargers, but the connector type matters. CCS (Combined Charging System) is standard on most American EVs made by Chevy, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, and others. Tesla vehicles originally used Tesla's proprietary connector, but newer Teslas and all other brands are moving to the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which Electrify America is installing alongside CCS.

Before you visit a Walmart charger, confirm your vehicle's connector type in your owner's manual or by checking your vehicle's charging port. The Electrify America app shows which connector types are available at each location. If your vehicle uses an older proprietary connector (like CHAdeMO), you may need an adapter, which adds cost and complexity.

ChargePoint Level 2 chargers use a standard connector called J1772, which works with virtually all EVs sold in North America. Compatibility is rarely an issue with Level 2 charging.

What to expect on your first visit

read the Electrify America or ChargePoint app before you go — you cannot pay at the charger itself. Create an account, add a payment method, and search for the Walmart location you plan to visit. The app will show you the charger's exact location in the parking lot, which connector types are available, and current pricing.

Arrive at the charger, open the app, and start a session. Walk to your vehicle, open the charge port, and plug in. The charger will begin delivering power automatically. Stay nearby or check the app periodically; most chargers notify you when charging is complete or when you've reached 80 percent. Unplug, close your charge port, and end the session in the app.

If a charger is broken or unavailable, the app will show its status as offline. Do not attempt to use it; instead, find another location or contact the network's customer service through the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my Tesla at a Walmart Electrify America station?

Yes, if your Tesla is a newer model with the NACS connector or if you have an adapter for the older Tesla connector. Older Teslas with the proprietary connector can use an adapter, but this adds time and cost. Check the Electrify America app for your specific location to see which connector types are available.

How long does it take to charge at Walmart?

DC fast charging (Electrify America) takes 20 to 40 minutes to reach 80 percent, depending on your vehicle and battery size. Level 2 charging (ChargePoint) takes 4 to 8 hours for a full charge, but you typically charge for 1 to 2 hours during a shopping trip.

What if the charger is broken when I arrive?

The app shows real-time status for each charger. If it's offline, find another location using the app's search feature. Contact the network's customer service through the app to report the issue; they typically respond within hours to major problems.

Do I need a Walmart membership to use the chargers?

No. Walmart membership is not required. You only need an account with Electrify America or ChargePoint, depending on which charger you use.

Is charging at Walmart cheaper than charging at home?

Usually not. Home charging costs roughly $0.12 to $0.18 per kilowatt-hour in most regions, while public fast charging costs $0.43 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour. Public charging is faster but more expensive — use it for road trips or when you need range quickly, not for routine daily charging.