Costco, once an early adopter of EV charging, is making a comeback in the US market after a 12-year hiatus. The wholesale giant recently unveiled a branded DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, signaling a potential shift in its approach to electric vehicle infrastructure. This move comes after Costco abandoned its US EV charging offerings in 2012, leaving many EV drivers searching for alternative charging solutions.
While the single station might appear to be a small step, the rapid seven-week installation timeframe hints at more ambitious plans. The charging station, developed and installed by Seattle-based Electric Era, boasts impressive capabilities. Electric Era’s “PowerNode” technology promises reliable, battery-backed fast charging, particularly beneficial in areas with grid limitations.
The stations can deliver up to 200 kilowatts and incorporate integrated battery storage. This feature not only allows for potentially lower electricity rates for customers but also ensures continued operation during power outages, addressing a key concern for EV drivers. The focus on reliability and resilience is reminiscent of Tesla’s Supercharger network, perhaps unsurprising given that Electric Era’s CEO, Quincy Lee, is a former SpaceX engineer.
Costco’s confidence in Electric Era is evident in its decision to brand the new charging station. This marks a significant departure from last year’s pilot station in Denver, a collaboration with Electrify America, which did not carry the Costco brand. The branding suggests a stronger commitment to providing EV charging as a core service to its members.
Discussions between Costco and Electric Era regarding future locations are ongoing, indicating a potential expansion of this partnership. Costco has previously stated its intention to install fast chargers at 20 locations, although specific details remain scarce. The company has continued to maintain EV charging operations in other countries, including Canada, the UK, Spain, and South Korea.
Costco’s renewed focus on US EV charging mirrors a similar strategy adopted by competitor Walmart. Walmart announced last year its plans to develop its own EV fast-charging network alongside its existing partnership with Electrify America. This competitive landscape suggests a growing recognition of the importance of EV charging infrastructure within the retail sector.
