How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car At Walmart?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as people look for more sustainable and cost-effective travel methods. One of the key considerations for EV owners is where to charge their vehicles and how much it will cost. Walmart, a major retail giant, has partnered with Electrify America to provide EV charging stations at many of its locations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the costs associated with charging an electric car at Walmart, the types of chargers available, and other relevant details to help you make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

Types of Charging Stations at Walmart

Walmart offers a range of charging options through its partnership with Electrify America. These include:

Level 2 Chargers: These chargers are slower and typically used for longer charging sessions, such as overnight charging. They deliver around 240 volts and can take several hours to fully charge a vehicle.
DC Fast Chargers: These are high-speed chargers that can significantly reduce the time it takes to charge your EV. They can deliver up to 350 kW, allowing you to add hundreds of miles of range in just 30 minutes.

Cost of Charging at Walmart

The cost to charge your electric car at Walmart varies depending on several factors, including the type of charger you use, your location, and whether you have a subscription with Electrify America. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

Level 2 Charging: These chargers are generally less expensive but slower. The cost is typically around $0.30 to $0.60 per kWh.
DC Fast Charging: These chargers are more expensive but much faster. The cost for non-subscribers is usually around $0.43 per kWh, while Electrify America Pass+ members pay approximately $0.31 per kWh

how much does walmart charge to charge an electric car

Subscription Plans

Electrify America offers a subscription plan called Pass+. Subscribers can enjoy reduced charging rates for a monthly fee of $4. Here’s a comparison of the costs:

Plan Type	Cost per kWh	Monthly Fee
Guest (Non-Subscriber)	$0.43	$0
Pass+ Subscriber	$0.31	$4

Check out Where Can I Charge My Electric Car for Free?

Factors Affecting Charging Costs of an EV at Walmart

Several factors can influence the cost of charging your EV at Walmart:

Time of Day: Some charging stations may have variable pricing based on peak and off-peak hours.
Location: The cost of electricity can vary by state and even by city, affecting the overall cost of charging.
Charging Speed: Faster chargers generally cost more but can save you time.
Membership Status: Subscribers to Electrify America’s Pass+ plan enjoy lower rates.

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Non-Subscriber Using DC Fast Charger

In this scenario, we assume a non-subscriber using a DC Fast Charger. Here are the details:

Charger Type: DC Fast Charger
Cost per kWh: $0.43
Battery Capacity: 60 kWh
Charge Needed: 80% (48 kWh)

Calculation:

Total kWh Needed: 60 kWh * 80% = 48 kWh
Total Cost: 48 kWh * $0.43 = $20.64

Table:

Parameter	Value
Charger Type	DC Fast Charger
Cost per kWh	$0.43
Battery Capacity	60 kWh
Charge Needed	80% (48 kWh)
Total Cost	$20.64

Scenario 2: Pass+ Subscriber Using DC Fast Charger

In this scenario, we consider a Pass+ subscriber using a DC Fast Charger. Here are the details:

Charger Type: DC Fast Charger
Cost per kWh: $0.31
Battery Capacity: 60 kWh
Charge Needed: 80% (48 kWh)
Monthly Subscription Fee: $4

Calculation:

Total kWh Needed: 60 kWh * 80% = 48 kWh
Cost for Charging: 48 kWh * $0.31 = $14.88
Total Cost: $14.88 + $4 (Monthly Fee) = $18.88

Table:

Parameter	Value
Charger Type	DC Fast Charger
Cost per kWh	$0.31
Battery Capacity	60 kWh
Charge Needed	80% (48 kWh)
Monthly Subscription Fee	$4
Total Cost	$18.88

Scenario 3: Non-Subscriber Using Level 2 Charger

In this scenario, we look at a non-subscriber using a Level 2 Charger. Here are the details:

Charger Type: Level 2 Charger
Cost per kWh: $0.45 (average)
Battery Capacity: 60 kWh
Charge Needed: 80% (48 kWh)

Calculation:

Total kWh Needed: 60 kWh * 80% = 48 kWh
Total Cost: 48 kWh * $0.45 = $21.60

Table:

Parameter	Value
Charger Type	Level 2 Charger
Cost per kWh	$0.45
Battery Capacity	60 kWh
Charge Needed	80% (48 kWh)
Total Cost	$21.60

Detailed Explanation

Scenario 1: Non-Subscriber Using DC Fast Charger

For a non-subscriber using a DC Fast Charger, the cost per kWh is $0.43. If your EV has a battery capacity of 60 kWh and you need to charge it to 80%, you will need 48 kWh of energy. Multiplying the energy needed by the cost per kWh gives you a total cost of $20.64.

Scenario 2: Pass+ Subscriber Using DC Fast Charger

As a Pass+ subscriber, you benefit from a lower cost per kWh of $0.31. Using the same battery capacity and charge needed as in Scenario 1, you will need 48 kWh of energy. The cost for this energy is $14.88. Adding the monthly subscription fee of $4, the total cost comes to $18.88. This scenario demonstrates the savings you can achieve with a subscription plan.

Scenario 3: Non-Subscriber Using Level 2 Charger

For a non-subscriber using a Level 2 Charger, the average cost per kWh is $0.45. Given a 60 kWh battery and an 80% charge requirement, you will need 48 kWh. Multiplying the energy needed by the cost per kWh results in a total cost of $21.60. This scenario highlights the difference in cost between using a Level 2 Charger and a DC Fast Charger.

Here’s a comparative table:

Scenario	Charger Type	Cost per kWh	Charge Needed (kWh)	Monthly Fee	Total Cost
Non-Subscriber Using DC Fast Charger	DC Fast Charger	$0.43	48	$0	$20.64
Pass+ Subscriber Using DC Fast Charger	DC Fast Charger	$0.31	48	$4	$18.88
Non-Subscriber Using Level 2 Charger	Level 2 Charger	$0.45	48	$0	$21.60

This detailed breakdown should help you understand the costs associated with charging your electric vehicle at Walmart under different scenarios. By considering factors such as charger type, subscription plans, and energy needs, you can make more informed decisions about where and how to charge your EV.

what does it cost to charge an electric car at walmart

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Additional Benefits of Charging at Walmart

Charging your EV at Walmart offers several additional benefits:

Convenience: With Walmart locations spread across the country, finding a charging station is relatively easy. You can shop or dine while your car charges.
Availability: Walmart’s partnership with Electrify America ensures that the charging stations are well-maintained and available when you need them.
Speed: The availability of DC Fast Chargers means you can get back on the road quickly.

How to Use Walmart’s Charging Stations

Using Walmart’s EV charging stations is straightforward:

Locate a Station: Use the Electrify America app or website to find a nearby Walmart with charging stations.
Plug In: Park your car in the designated charging spot and plug in the charger.
Start Charging: Follow the instructions on the charging station screen to start charging. You can pay using the app or a credit card.
Monitor: Keep an eye on your charging progress through the app or the station’s display.
Unplug and Go: Once your car is sufficiently charged, unplug and continue with your journey.

Tips for Efficient Charging at Walmart

To make the most of your charging experience at Walmart, consider these tips:

Plan Ahead: Use apps like Electrify America to find charging stations along your route.
Charge During Off-Peak Hours: If possible, charge during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower rates.
Monitor Your Battery: Keep an eye on your battery level to avoid overcharging and wasting money.
Take Advantage of Memberships: If you frequently use Electrify America chargers, consider subscribing to Pass+ to save on charging costs.

Conclusion

Charging your electric car at Walmart is a convenient and cost-effective option, especially with the availability of high-speed DC Fast Chargers. The costs can vary based on several factors, including your location, the type of charger, and whether you have a subscription with Electrify America. By understanding these variables and planning accordingly, you can make the most of your EV charging experience at Walmart.