Walgreens, Volta to expand electric vehicle charging stations

Walgreens is poised to offer more customers new and different digital experiences alongside convenient solutions, thanks to an expanded partnership with Volta, an industry leader in commerce and people-centric electric vehicle charging.

Volta began working with Walgreens in 2019 and currently has DC fast-charging stations across 49 of its stores. The expanded partnership has a target of installing 1,000 of these stalls at more than 500 of the retailer’s locations nationwide.

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“As we expand our DC fast-charging presence across the country, Walgreens is an ideal match for faster forms of Volta charging given the average time a Walgreens shopper typically spends in-store,” Scott Mercer, founder and CEO of Volta, said. “Volta’s intelligent charging network is built around understanding and anticipating consumer behavior. The next phase of our work with Walgreens will provide people with a quick, convenient and meaningful charge that is tailored to their shopping experience while bringing us another step closer to a clean energy future.”

With high-impact, large-format digital screens, Volta stations also double as an innovative, digital out-of-home advertising opportunity. Through its screens, the company allows brands to reach shoppers seconds before they enter a store to make a purchase, while simultaneously driving measurable business results and environmental impact, Volta said. 

Currently, this unique functionality will be leveraged by Walgreens Advertising Group.

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“Walgreens is committed to providing customers with new and different digital experiences alongside convenient solutions that help them lead healthier lives,” Luke Kigel, Walgreens vice president of integrated media and leader of Walgreens Advertising Group, said. “Volta’s electric chargers allow Walgreens to seamlessly bring customers unique advertising and convenience experiences with eye-catching screens and quick, convenient charging to match their behavior, all while helping to build healthier communities through reducing vehicle emissions.”

This agreement furthers Volta’s DC fast-charging expansion strategy and Walgreens’ support of initiatives that lower emissions and make the planet healthier for communities everywhere, the company said.