Photo Credit: YouTubeWalmart's electric vehicle charging buildout just got a real-world stress test by a family on an EV road trip — complete with summer heat, a sleeping baby, and a Blazer EV that didn't always cooperate.The result suggests Walmart's fast-growing non-Tesla network is already becoming a meaningful road-trip option, even if some vehicle-specific charging quirks still get in the way.What's happening?The test was conducted by YouTube creator The Arkansas eTraveler (@TheArkansaseTraveler). In it, he took his family, including a newborn baby, from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Oklahoma City and back in a Chevrolet Blazer EV using only Walmart EV charging stations. During the drive, eight Walmart charging locations were available along the route, and the oldest had been open for only nine weeks. The decision to use only Walmart chargers was prompted by the convenience of a big-box store. AdvertisementAdvertisementAs the creator put it: "Tesla Supercharging is consistent, but the amenities are not."For the family with a young child, charging stops at big-box stores can mean access to bathrooms, food, baby supplies, and air-conditioned indoor space rather than isolated parking lots.The creator noted that although convenient, each Walmart charging station had varying charging speeds, and not every stop was seamless.At one point, the creator explained, the Blazer EV's battery hit 120 degrees. He also noted that charging speed often slowed down when the car's air conditioning was on.Why does it matter?For would-be EV buyers, confidence in public charging is often one of the biggest sticking points. That kind of trip reveals more than a spec sheet does, because it shows whether a family can make the drive in practice.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe video indicates Walmart may be addressing a weak spot in public charging by combining fast chargers with stores people already use. The creator reported charging prices ranging from 46 to 52 cents per kilowatt-hour, with some off-peak pricing as low as 32 cents.Using the app, Walmart Plus members can get 10% off, and the creator said one Tulsa charging stop came to "just north of $30" after that discount.Walmart appears to be moving quickly, with multiple new sites across Oklahoma and signs of future expansion.The buildout appears to serve roadtrippers and city drivers alike, giving locals a place to top up while shopping instead of depending only on home charging or limited highway corridors.AdvertisementAdvertisementGet TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
