Image: ABBIn addition to the seven locations around Phoenix, Arizona, Walmart stores in Colorado, Florida, and Georgia have also been equipped with high-power charging stations as part of the first phase of the partnership, as announced by ABB E-mobility. The two companies aim to make high-power charging more widely available and to simplify the process of charging electric vehicles during weekly shopping trips at Walmart.The potential target group is enormous, with over 5,200 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores across the USA. According to the announcement, 90% of Americans live within a 16-kilometre radius of a Walmart store. ABB points out that by integrating electric vehicle charging stations into existing retail locations, Walmart and ABB E-mobility are making the switch to electromobility easier for millions of drivers. Charging stations are also becoming a key factor in customer loyalty and revenue growth for retailers. The charging process can be initiated not only via the usual providers but also directly through the Walmart app.For the US partnership and the initial locations in Mesa, Tempe, Apache Junction, and Queen Creek, ABB is deploying its A400 charging station. This high-power charger delivers up to 400 kW when a single vehicle is charging. If both charging points on a station are in use, each vehicle can be charged in parallel at up to 200 kW. The stations offer both NACS and CCS connectors. ABB highlights the fact that a full charge is possible within the time of a typical shopping trip.In the coming months, a total of 38 A400 units will be installed at nine Walmart locations in the greater Phoenix area—adding two more sites to the seven launched at the start of the partnership. ABB E-mobility has not yet disclosed specific nationwide expansion targets.“As part of Walmart’s commitment to helping customers save money and live better, we’re excited to bring a retail-integrated EV charging experience to the communities we serve,” said Adam Happel, GM Walmart EV Charging. “We’re building a convenient and reliable network that gives our customers the ability to charge their EVs quickly and affordably without having to change their daily shopping routine.”“Launching in the Phoenix metro area is the first step in what will become the most ambitious retail charging rollout in the United States,” said Brandt Hastings, President North America, ABB E-mobility. “Together with Walmart, we are combining trusted retail access with telecom-grade charging reliability, delivering infrastructure that meets the needs of drivers today and scales with demand tomorrow.”abb.com, linkedin.com