By Andrew Kroeger
Electrify America, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America, announced plans to install 30 high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Kroger stores and other businesses in the U.S. by the end of 2019. The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) operates 2,761 grocery stores in 35 states under a variety of local brand names.
The EV charging stations, which can charge a vehicle in as little as 20 minutes, will be installed in Kroger parking lots in the following cities:
- Atlanta
- Baltimore
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Denver
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Los Angeles
- Portland, Oregon
- Sacramento, California
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Seattle
The announcement is part of Electrify America's $2 billion investment in EV infrastructure and education, which was part of the company's settlement with the U.S. government over allegations of emissions cheating. Under the terms of the settlement, Electrify America must invest $800 million in EV infrastructure by June 2019.
"Kroger is committed to offering our customers convenient solutions that fit their busy lifestyles," said Robert Clark, senior vice president of corporate affairs at Kroger, in a statement. "Our partnership with Electrify America will provide customers with even more choices to help them live more sustainable lives."
Electrify America plans to install a total of 2,000 EV charging stations at Walmart stores, businesses, apartments and condos by June 2019. The company has also invested in a wireless EV charging company and is piloting a program to reduce peak demand for electricity by managing when EVs are charged.