Summary
- Electrify American to install DC fast-charging stations at five Costco locations
- 350-kw chargers to be integrated with the Electrify America network
- Costco had previously installed Level 2 AC chargers in the 1990s but later removed them
- The first new Costco-branded DC fast charger opened in Ridgefield, Washington
- Costco partners with Electric Era and Electrify America for EV charging stations
Article
Electrify America is teaming up with Costco to install DC fast-charging stations at five Costco locations across the United States. These locations include stores in Clermont, Florida, and Denver, Colorado, with six chargers each, as well as three California locations in Loomis, Pleasanton, and Sacramento, with varying numbers of chargers. The 350-kw chargers will be part of the Electrify America network, allowing drivers to locate and pay for charging sessions through the app. However, pricing will be set by Costco, who periodically offers deals on electric cars and plug-in hybrids.
Costco has a history of supporting electric vehicles, having been one of the first big-box retailers to install Level 2 AC chargers in some locations in the 1990s. However, the company removed those chargers in 2011 and 2012 before recently reintroducing EV charging options. The first new Costco-branded DC fast charger was opened at a warehouse store in Ridgefield, Washington, in October, installed by Electric Era in just seven weeks from contract to opening. It is unclear if Costco will continue working with both Electric Era and Electrify America or if additional firms will be brought in to expand EV charging infrastructure at Costco stores.
Electrify America’s partnership with Costco may help fill the void left by Walmart, which announced in 2023 that it would be transitioning away from the charging network to focus on developing its own EV charging network. With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, having a large retail partner like Costco could be beneficial for Electrify America in expanding its reach and accessibility of charging stations. Costco also announced a partnership with Hyundai, allowing customers in 48 U.S. cities to purchase new Hyundai vehicles directly from their local dealer on Amazon, with an initial focus on electric vehicles. This partnership could increase demand for charging infrastructure as more electric vehicles hit the roads.
With the installation of DC fast-charging stations at Costco locations, drivers of electric vehicles will have more convenient access to charging options while shopping or running errands. The integration with the Electrify America network will allow for easy location and payment for charging sessions through the app. Costco’s commitment to supporting electric vehicles through charging infrastructure and promotional deals on EVs and plug-in hybrids reflects a growing trend among retailers to cater to the needs of electric vehicle owners.
Overall, the partnership between Electrify America and Costco marks a significant step in expanding EV charging infrastructure and accessibility across the country. With more retailers like Costco getting involved in supporting electric vehicles, it is likely that the adoption of EVs will continue to grow. The collaboration between Costco, Electrify America, and other firms in the EV charging space demonstrates the commitment to making electric vehicles a viable transportation option for consumers, further driving the transition toward a more sustainable future.
Read the full article here
