Volta electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at Giant Food in downtown Silver Spring as part of a rollout across the grocery chain’s locations.
In 2020, Giant entered into a public-private partnership with the Maryland Energy Administration and Volta to set up more than 200 EV charging stations at its Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. stores.
The free, ad-supported charging stations, which were not yet active last week, will offer special promotions for Giant loyalty program members.
Volta’s electric vehicle charging network connects charging stations with advertising screens, typically found in busy retail stores and stadiums. In addition to Giant, Volta’s chargers have been installed by companies like Albertsons, Kroger, Regency Centers, Wegmans, and Topgolf, with screens used for advertising by brands such as GM, Hulu, and Nestlé.
Shell USA acquired Volta in 2023 in an all-cash deal worth about $169 million, making its Shell Recharge one of the largest public EV charging networks in the United States.
“Providing our shoppers and communities free electric charging services is part of Giant’s larger sustainability efforts,” Giant Food President Ira Kress said in 2020. “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.”
More information on Giant Food’s Volta EV charging program is available online at giantfood.com.