Costco (COST), the retail giant synonymous with bulk buys and legendary food court deals, is now adding something electric to its repertoire—literally.
In a partnership with Electrify America, Costco has rolled out ultra-fast EV charging stations at five of its locations across California, Colorado, and Florida. Let’s dive into what this means for EV drivers, Costco fans, and the ever-evolving charging landscape.
Electrify America Meets Costco: The Basics
This collaboration brings Electrify America’s Hyper-Fast chargers, capable of delivering up to 350 kW, to Costco parking lots. For context, that’s fast enough to add significant range to most modern EVs in the time it takes to navigate Costco’s endless aisles and grab a $1.50 hot dog combo.
Here’s where you can find these chargers:
- Clermont, Florida: 4600 Collina Terrace – 6 Hyper-Fast chargers
- Denver, Colorado: 4717 Airport Way – 6 Hyper-Fast chargers
- Loomis, California: 4107 Sierra College Blvd. – 14 Hyper-Fast chargers
- Pleasanton, California: 7220 Johnson Drive – 10 Hyper-Fast chargers
- Sacramento, California: 3881 E Commerce Way – 10 Hyper-Fast chargers
What Sets This Partnership Apart?
Costco owns these stations outright, with Electrify America providing the tech and expertise. This gives Costco the freedom to set its own pricing, which may appeal to its cost-conscious customer base.
The chargers are fully integrated into Electrify America’s network, meaning EV drivers can locate them and pay for sessions using the Electrify America app. The compatibility extends to nearly all EV models, ensuring accessibility for most drivers.
Costco’s model combines retail therapy with EV charging. You can shop for oversized tubs of hummus while your car powers up for the road ahead. It’s a win-win for time-strapped EV owners.
Charging Up the Retail World
Costco’s move into EV charging signals a broader trend: retail spaces as key players in the charging infrastructure race. Electrify America has already partnered with retailers like Walmart, and Costco’s entry could push other big-box stores to follow suit.
For Electrify America, this collaboration is another step in its aggressive expansion. With over 4,000 charging stations across 47 states, it’s one of the largest open DC fast-charging networks in the U.S. However, competition is heating up, especially as Tesla (TSLA) opens its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs.
Challenges and Opportunities
Costco’s history with EV charging has been a mixed bag. Early attempts in the 1990s were short-lived, but this new rollout shows a renewed commitment to supporting sustainable transportation. That said, challenges remain.
Pricing at Electrify America stalls can hover around $0.46/kWh—higher than Tesla’s Superchargers in some areas. Costco’s pricing strategy will be key to drawing drivers. While the chargers feature CCS1 connectors, Tesla drivers will need an adapter, which could be a minor hurdle.
A Look Ahead
This partnership could set a new standard for retail-based charging solutions. If successful, it’s likely Costco will expand EV charging to more locations. The convenience of combining charging with shopping has clear appeal, especially in suburban and urban areas where both time and charging infrastructure are at a premium.
Charge Complete
Costco and Electrify America’s partnership is more than just a convenience; it’s a sign of the times. As EV adoption surges, the integration of hyper-fast charging into retail spaces represents a forward-thinking approach to meeting demand.
Whether you’re a loyal Costco member or just an EV driver passing through, this initiative makes charging a little easier—and maybe even enjoyable.
