Walmart operates charging stations at hundreds of locations, but availability and speed vary by store

Walmart has installed electric vehicle charging equipment at stores across the United States, but not every location has chargers. The company partners with third-party networks — primarily Electrify America and Tesla's Supercharger network — to provide the stations rather than operating them directly. This means the chargers you find at one Walmart may be different from those at another, and the payment method, charging speed, and reservation process can differ depending on which network operates the equipment.

Most Walmart EV chargers are Level 2 chargers, which add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. Some locations have DC fast chargers through Electrify America, which can add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes. The distinction matters because Level 2 chargers are meant for longer parking sessions — like shopping or eating — while DC fast chargers are for drivers who need a quick top-up before continuing a long trip.

Walmart does not charge a membership fee to use the chargers at its stores. However, you will pay per kilowatt-hour or per minute depending on the network operator. Electrify America typically charges by the minute for DC fast charging and by the kilowatt-hour for Level 2. Pricing varies by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart chargers are operated by third-party networks like Electrify America, not by Walmart itself, so payment methods and speeds vary by location.
  • Level 2 chargers at Walmart add 25 to 30 miles per hour and are best for shopping trips, while DC fast chargers add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes.
  • You pay per kilowatt-hour or per minute directly to the network operator; Walmart does not charge a membership or access fee.
  • Finding a Walmart charger requires checking the Electrify America app or Tesla app depending on which network operates at your nearest store.

How to locate a Walmart EV charger near you

The easiest way to find out whether your nearest Walmart has a charger is to use the Electrify America app or website. Search for your location, and the map will show which Walmart stores have equipment and what type — Level 2 or DC fast charging. You can also check the Tesla app if you drive a Tesla, since some Walmart locations have Tesla Superchargers available to non-Tesla owners through Tesla's recent network expansion.

Not all Walmart locations have chargers. Availability depends on whether Walmart and the network operator have installed equipment at that store. Rural areas and smaller stores are less likely to have chargers than urban and supercenter locations. If your nearest Walmart does not have a charger, the Electrify America app can show you other public charging networks in your area.

When you arrive at a Walmart with a charger, the equipment is usually located in the parking lot near the store entrance or in a designated EV parking area. Look for signage or ask a store associate if you cannot find it when ready.

How to pay and start charging at a Walmart location

Payment depends on which network operates the charger. For Electrify America chargers, you can pay using the Electrify America app, a credit card at the charger itself, or an Electrify America membership card. You do not need to create an account in advance, though having the app makes the process faster because you can locate available chargers and start charging remotely.

To start charging with the app, open Electrify America, find the charger at your Walmart location, and tap "Start Charging." The app will guide you through payment and show you real-time charging progress. If you pay with a credit card at the charger, insert your card into the reader on the equipment, select your charging level, and follow the on-screen prompts.

For Tesla Superchargers at Walmart, use the Tesla app or the touchscreen in your vehicle. Non-Tesla owners can access Tesla Superchargers through the Tesla app by creating an account and adding a payment method. The process is similar: locate the charger in the app, reserve it if needed, and start charging when you arrive.

Charging speeds and how long you should expect to wait

Level 2 chargers at Walmart typically add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. If you are shopping for an hour or two, you can expect to gain 25 to 60 miles of range. This speed is sufficient for daily driving but not for long road trips. Level 2 chargers are best used when you have time to stay at the store.

DC fast chargers through Electrify America add significantly more range in less time — typically 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your vehicle and battery size. However, charging speed slows as your battery approaches full capacity. Most drivers charge to 80 percent rather than 100 percent on a DC fast charger because the last 20 percent takes much longer and is less efficient for road trips.

Your vehicle's battery size and current charge level affect how fast you can charge. A vehicle with a larger battery will take longer to reach full capacity, and a battery that is nearly empty will charge faster initially than one that is already half full. Check your vehicle's manual or the charger's display to see real-time charging speed.

What to do if a charger is broken or occupied

If you arrive at a Walmart charger and it is not working, the Electrify America app will usually show it as "unavailable" or "offline." You can report the issue directly through the app by selecting the charger and choosing "Report a Problem." Electrify America aims to repair equipment within 24 to 48 hours, though response time varies by location.

If all chargers at your Walmart are in use, the app will show them as "occupied." You can reserve a charger for up to 10 minutes through the Electrify America app, which gives you time to park and connect. If you do not connect within 10 minutes, the reservation expires and the charger becomes available to other drivers.

If a charger is broken or all are occupied, your next option is to find another public charger nearby. The Electrify America app shows other networks in your area, including ChargePoint, Volta, and others. You can also check PlugShare, a free app that maps public chargers across multiple networks.

Membership and subscription options for frequent charging

Electrify America offers a membership program called Electrify America Plus, which provides discounted rates per kilowatt-hour compared to pay-as-you-go pricing. The membership costs a monthly fee, and the savings depend on how often you charge and which chargers you use. If you charge at Walmart or other Electrify America locations multiple times per week, membership may reduce your costs.

You do not need a membership to use Walmart chargers. Pay-as-you-go pricing is available at every charger, and you can decide whether membership makes sense based on your charging habits. The Electrify America app shows the per-kilowatt-hour rate for each charger, so you can calculate whether membership would save you money before you commit.

Tesla Supercharger pricing for non-Tesla owners is per-minute or per-kilowatt-hour depending on your location. Tesla does not offer a separate membership program for non-Tesla owners, though Tesla owners with certain vehicle models may have different pricing structures.

Why Walmart partnered with charging networks and what it means for you

Walmart's decision to host EV chargers reflects the company's effort to attract electric vehicle owners and position its stores as convenient stops for long trips. By partnering with established networks like Electrify America rather than building its own infrastructure, Walmart avoids the cost and complexity of operating chargers directly. This approach also means Walmart stores benefit from the network's existing payment systems, maintenance, and customer support.

For you as a driver, this partnership means Walmart chargers are integrated into the same apps and payment systems you may already use at other public locations. You do not need separate accounts or apps for Walmart specifically. However, it also means Walmart has limited control over charger availability, pricing, or maintenance — those decisions rest with the network operator.

The partnership also means charger availability at Walmart locations can change. Electrify America or Tesla may add or remove chargers based on demand and business decisions. Check the app before you plan a trip to confirm a charger is still available at your intended stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Walmart chargers are open to any electric vehicle owner, whether or not you shop at Walmart. You pay the network operator directly, and Walmart does not require a membership or purchase to access the equipment.

Can I charge overnight at a Walmart EV charger?

Walmart stores close at night, and most chargers are in the parking lot. Overnight charging depends on whether the parking lot is accessible after hours and whether the charger has a time limit. Check the Electrify America app or call your local Walmart to confirm overnight access at that location.

What happens if my car is still charging when I finish shopping?

The charger will stop automatically when your battery reaches full capacity or when the session timer expires. You will receive a notification through the app when charging is complete. Leaving your car connected after charging is finished may result in an idle fee, which varies by network.

Are Walmart chargers faster than charging at home?

DC fast chargers at Walmart are much faster than home charging. A Level 2 home charger adds 3 to 5 miles per hour, while a DC fast charger at Walmart adds 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes. Level 2 chargers at Walmart are similar to home charging speed but may be slightly faster depending on the equipment.

What if I have a Tesla but want to use a non-Tesla charger at Walmart?

You can use Electrify America chargers at Walmart with an adapter. Tesla vehicles come with or can purchase a Magic Dock adapter that allows you to connect to Electrify America DC fast chargers. Level 2 chargers typically use a standard connector that works with most vehicles, including Tesla with an adapter.