Wal-EV charging station

What it does

The design introduces a Walmart L2 charging network in underserved Los Angeles communities, reusing vacant land and offering “shopping credits for charging” to improve EV access, promote energy equity, boost sales, and cut delivery costs.

Your inspiration

The idea came from seeing the inequality in EV charging access in Los Angeles, especially in low-income areas like Compton, where chargers are damaged, scarce, or poorly maintained compared to wealthier neighborhoods. This limits EV use for those who need affordable transport. Walmart was chosen because its low-cost mission aligns with energy equity and it has strong community presence. By reusing vacant land, adding durable L2 chargers with a “bring-your-own-cable” model to cut maintenance, and turning saved delivery costs into charging credits, the design benefits both residents and Walmart.

How it works

The design is a community-focused EV charging system placed at Walmart locations in low-income areas. It uses Level 2 (L2) chargers, which are slower than fast chargers but cheaper to install, easier to maintain, and ideal for longer parking times. Drivers bring their own charging cables, which reduces wear and tear on equipment and lowers repair costs. The chargers are installed on underused or vacant land, turning empty parking areas into useful community infrastructure. A key feature is the “shopping credits for charging” system. When customers choose to pick up their Walmart orders from lockers located next to the chargers, Walmart saves money on home delivery costs. Those savings are turned into charging credits for customers, giving them up to 20–40 miles of free charging per purchase. This encourages more people to shop at Walmart, makes EV charging affordable, and creates a cycle where shopping, charging, and community benefit work together.

Design process

The design process began with field research in Los Angeles, focusing on low-income areas like Compton. I conducted site visits to existing charging facilities, carefully observing their condition, distribution, and usage. Many chargers were damaged, poorly maintained, or too far apart. To better understand the issue, I interviewed local residents and EV drivers, who expressed frustration over unreliable chargers and long travel distances to find working ones. I also interviewed experts from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to understand regulatory challenges and infrastructure standards. After identifying Walmart as a strong community partner, the initial concept of fast chargers was tested but quickly shifted to Level 2 chargers due to lower costs, easier maintenance, and better fit for long parking times. A “bring-your-own-cable” idea emerged after testing and feedback, as most EV owners already carry portable cables, reducing vandalism and repair costs. The shopping credit system was refined through cost modeling, proving Walmart could redirect delivery savings into charging credits. The final design uses vacant parking lots, with L2 chargers and lockers for package pick-ups, creating an affordable, community-driven EV charging solution.

How it is different

This design is unique because it focuses on equity, community, and cost efficiency, unlike most EV charging networks that target high-income areas and prioritize fast charging. By using Level 2 chargers with a “bring-your-own-cable” model, it drastically lowers installation and maintenance costs while reducing vandalism, a major issue in low-income neighborhoods. It also transforms vacant community land into useful infrastructure, making charging accessible where it’s most needed. The “shopping credits for charging” system is another key difference—turning Walmart’s saved delivery costs into charging credits creates a direct link between shopping and energy access. This not only gives residents nearly free charging but also builds a sustainable business loop for Walmart, combining social impact with economic benefit.

Future plans

The next step, from a design perspective, is to develop detailed site layouts and user flow diagrams to optimize how chargers, lockers, and parking interact. I will also create visual prototypes and 3D models to test how the spaces feel and how users move through them. As a student designer, my focus is to refine the user experience, ensuring the system is simple, safe, and community-friendly. In the future, I aim to build a scaled physical model or VR simulation to communicate the concept more clearly and guide potential real-world implementation.

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