Costco, after a 12-year hiatus, is seriously reinvesting in electric vehicle (EV) charging services. Just over a month ago, the retail giant reintroduced its branded DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, in partnership with Electric Era. Now, Costco is expanding its EV charging footprint through a new collaboration with Electrify America, the leading EV charging network in the United States.
This partnership will bring EV fast-charging stations to five new Costco locations across California, Colorado, and Florida. These stations, compatible with most EV models, offer DC fast-charging speeds up to 350 kilowatts. Integrated into the Electrify America network, drivers can locate and pay for charging sessions using the Electrify America app, while Costco will determine the pricing, potentially leveraging its reputation for discounted fuel.
It’s currently uncertain whether Costco will continue expanding its EV charging infrastructure with Electric Era, Electrify America, or a combination of both. Electric Era’s stations, while offering slower charging speeds of up to 200 kilowatts, boast attractive features like rapid seven-week installation and integrated battery storage. This battery integration allows for reduced electricity costs and continued operation during power outages, a potentially valuable feature depending on the location.
Costco’s strategy seems to involve exploring different options and assessing their viability. This mirrors the approach of competitor Walmart, which last year announced the development of its own EV fast-charging network alongside its existing collaboration with Electrify America.
The EV charging landscape in the U.S. has been rapidly evolving, driven by networks like Tesla’s Supercharger network, Electrify America, ChargePoint, and the Rivian Adventure network. A recent initiative by the Biden administration and a private consortium of charging networks, automakers, and other industry players further accelerates this growth. This consortium aims to establish a universal plug-and-charge standard by 2025, enabling seamless charging for all EVs at any public station across the U.S.
This standardization is a significant development for current and prospective EV owners. Accenture, a research firm, recently identified charging infrastructure as a major barrier to EV adoption, alongside high initial costs and potential lifestyle adjustments.
Costco’s renewed commitment to EV charging signifies a growing recognition of the evolving transportation landscape and the increasing demand for accessible and reliable charging options. This move positions Costco to cater to the needs of its environmentally conscious customers and contribute to the broader adoption of electric vehicles.
