Giant to Install Electric-Vehicle Charging Stations

Giant Food, a leading Washington, D.C., regional grocery chain, said it has begun to install electric-vehicle charging stations that are free to use for electric-vehicle drivers at select locations across Washington, D.C, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.

Giant, the Ahold Delhaize USA brand based in Landover, Md., said it would install 60 charging units this year and 200 by mid-2021 as part of a partnership with Volta, a leading network of electric-vehicle charging stations. Giant operates 163 stores overall.

While the move supports Giant’s overarching sustainability goals, it could also draw traffic from a demographically desirable shopper base to whom it can market. Volta’s stations feature high-resolution, two-sided 55-inch high-definition displays that Giant said would serve as a point of shopper engagement, sharing featured in-store specials and promotions for Giant shoppers.  

“Providing our shoppers and communities free electric charging services is part of Giant’s larger sustainability efforts,” said Ira Kress, president of Giant Food. “We are excited to offer our customers who opt for electric cars the satisfaction of quick and free charging while they shop. It’s a value for our shoppers that also benefits the environment.”

Giant called the installation of eco-friendly charging stations “another milestone” in its mission around sustainable retailing, specifically around cleaner transportation and energy. 

“We are proud to have been selected as the preferred provider of electric-vehicle charging stations by Giant Food, a company whose commitment to a sustainable future aligns well with Volta’s mission,” said Scott Mercer, founder and CEO of Volta, San Francisco. “We are working with Giant to deliver a seamless charging experience to their growing number of forward-thinking shoppers.”