Charlotte NC, January 10, 2026
Walmart is enhancing its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by adding new charging sites in the Carolinas, specifically in Charlotte and Indian Land, SC. This initiative underscores the increasing popularity of the electric vehicle market and the impact of private investment in local economies. The expansion is poised to improve convenience for EV users and stimulate business for local enterprises, reflecting South Carolina’s commitment to develop a thriving EV ecosystem. With plans for numerous fast-charging stations across the U.S., Walmart aims to play a pivotal role in supporting the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure.
Charlotte
Walmart Fuels Carolina EV Growth, Boosting State’s Economic Momentum
Walmart’s strategic expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging network across the Carolinas, including new sites in Charlotte and Indian Land, South Carolina, signals a significant private sector commitment to the region’s evolving infrastructure. This development reflects a broader trend of entrepreneurial innovation and private investment driving economic growth, offering enhanced convenience for consumers and new opportunities for local businesses within the state.
The decision by a major retailer like Walmart to invest in its own EV charging infrastructure underscores the growing viability of the electric vehicle market and the power of private capital to meet emerging consumer demands. This move, part of a nationwide initiative, aligns with South Carolina’s proactive efforts to cultivate a supportive environment for the burgeoning EV industry, demonstrating how responsive market forces can accelerate progress. Such private sector leadership can reduce reliance on public funding for infrastructure development, fostering a competitive landscape that ultimately benefits the consumer and the Midlands economic growth.
Expanding the Electric Highway
Walmart is significantly expanding its EV charging network across the United States, with nearly 80 new charging sites planned in 19 states. This expansion includes six new EV charging locations across the Carolinas. Specifically, in South Carolina, a new charging site is planned for the Walmart Supercenter located at 10048 Charlotte Hwy in Indian Land. In North Carolina, multiple new sites are planned in the Charlotte region, including three in Charlotte itself (1830 Galleria Blvd, 11524 N. Tryon St., and 8800 East WT Harris Blvd.), with development permits showing plans for eight charging stalls at each of these three Charlotte stores, alongside locations in Concord, Huntersville, and Indian Trail.
These new installations will feature 400 kW DC fast chargers, specifically Alpitronic HYC400 models, equipped with both NACS and CCS1 connectors, aiming to provide a rapid charging experience for a wide array of electric vehicles. This initiative is part of Walmart’s broader strategy, announced in 2023, to build and operate its own EV fast-charging network at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the country by 2030, supplementing existing third-party charging options. With a Walmart or Sam’s Club store within 10 miles of approximately 90% of Americans, this expansion is poised to offer convenient charging accessibility in both urban and rural areas Nationwide.
Boosting Local Economies Through Private Investment
The establishment of additional EV charging stations is anticipated to have a positive effect on local economies. Studies indicate that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station can lead to increased customer traffic and spending at nearby businesses. For instance, research analyzing data from over 4,000 EV charging stations and 140,000 business establishments in California showed that installing one EV charging station boosted annual spending at a nearby establishment by 1.4% ($1,478) in 2019 and 0.8% ($404) from January 2021 to June 2023. The impact was even more pronounced for businesses located within 100 meters of a charging station, experiencing a spending increase of 2.7% in 2019 and 3.2% from January 2021 to June 2023. This suggests that private investments in infrastructure, like Walmart’s, can generate tangible economic benefits for Columbia SC business and other South Carolina entrepreneurs by drawing more patrons to commercial areas as drivers charge their vehicles.
The convenience offered by these strategically located chargers, often near shopping centers, allows EV drivers to shop or dine while their vehicles recharge. This increased foot traffic can provide a substantial boost to local customer bases and revenues, helping Columbia small business owners diversify their income streams and thrive.
South Carolina’s EV Ecosystem Flourishes
South Carolina has been steadily building a robust ecosystem for electric vehicles. From 2017 to 2022, the number of EV registrations in South Carolina saw substantial growth, increasing from 2,790 to 20,239. This surge in adoption is paralleled by significant private industry investments. Between August 2022 and August 2023, private companies announced 20 new clean energy projects in the state, totaling $11.17 billion in investment and creating 13,543 jobs. These investments span the entire EV lifecycle, from critical mineral processing and battery manufacturing to vehicle assembly and recycling, positioning South Carolina as a comprehensive hub for the EV industry. Major projects include a $3.5 billion battery recycling facility by Redwood Materials, $2 billion for Scout Motors EV manufacturing, and $1.7 billion for BMW EV and EV battery manufacturing within the State.
A Supportive Policy Environment
State-level policies have played a role in fostering this growth. South Carolina’s Executive Order 2022-31 initiated an interagency process to coordinate EV infrastructure rollout, attract EV manufacturing investment, and enhance the state’s EV workforce. Furthermore, Senate Bill 275, signed into law, aims to prevent electric utilities from gaining an unfair competitive advantage in the EV charging market by using ratepayer funds to build or operate charging stations. This legislation is designed to ensure a level playing field for private businesses, encouraging them to invest their own capital with the certainty that their investments will not face subsidized competition. Such thoughtful regulatory approaches can significantly bolster private sector confidence and drive innovation in the EV charging sector, benefiting the Richland County economy and beyond.
Additionally, South Carolina is slated to receive an estimated $70 million from the Nationwide National EV Infrastructure (NEVI) Program to further develop its charging infrastructure, demonstrating a blend of federal support complementing substantial private and State-level initiatives.
Conclusion
Walmart’s expansion of its EV charging network across the Carolinas is a testament to the dynamic growth of the electric vehicle market and the vital role of private enterprise in shaping economic development. For South Carolina entrepreneurs and local communities, these investments mean more than just charging stations; they represent increased foot traffic, new business opportunities, and a more robust infrastructure supporting consumer choice and modern transportation. By fostering an environment that encourages private investment and innovation, South Carolina continues to pave the way for a prosperous and forward-thinking economy. We encourage all residents to explore and support the businesses that are driving this exciting transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Walmart doing with EV charging in the Carolinas?
Walmart is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging network across the Carolinas, including new sites in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Indian Land, South Carolina. This is part of a larger Nationwide expansion of nearly 80 new charging sites in 19 states.
Which specific locations in South Carolina are getting new Walmart EV chargers?
In South Carolina, a new EV charging site is planned for the Walmart Supercenter located at 10048 Charlotte Hwy in Indian Land.
What type of chargers will be installed at these Walmart locations?
The new installations will feature 400 kW DC fast chargers, specifically Alpitronic HYC400 models, equipped with both NACS and CCS1 connectors.
How will this expansion impact local businesses?
Studies suggest that the installation of EV charging stations can positively impact nearby businesses by increasing customer count and spending. For example, installing one EV charging station boosted annual spending at a nearby establishment by 1.4% ($1,478) in 2019 and 0.8% ($404) from January 2021 to June 2023.
What is South Carolina’s broader strategy for EV infrastructure and development?
South Carolina has seen significant growth in EV registrations, increasing from 2,790 in 2017 to 20,239 in 2022. The State has attracted substantial private industry investments, totaling $11.17 billion and creating 13,543 jobs between August 2022 and August 2023, across the EV ecosystem, including manufacturing and recycling. State-level policies like Executive Order 2022-31 and Senate Bill 275 also support EV infrastructure rollout and private investment.
Key Features of Walmart’s EV Charging Expansion in the Carolinas
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Number of New Sites (Carolinas) | 6 new EV charging sites | State-level |
| Specific SC Location | Indian Land, S.C.: 10048 Charlotte Hwy | Local |
| Specific NC Locations | Charlotte (1830 Galleria Blvd, 11524 N. Tryon St., 8800 East WT Harris Blvd.), Concord, Huntersville, Indian Trail | Local |
| Number of Stalls (Charlotte) | 8 charging stalls per store at three Charlotte locations | Local |
| Charger Type | 400 kW DC fast chargers (Alpitronic HYC400) | Nationwide |
| Connector Types | NACS and CCS1 connectors | Nationwide |
| Walmart’s Overall Goal | Build own EV fast-charging network at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations by 2030 | Nationwide |
| Impact on Nearby Businesses | Increased customer count and spending (e.g., 1.4% spending increase in 2019 at nearby establishments) | Nationwide |
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