Giant Food makes big commitment to electric vehicle drivers

A regional supermarket chain is offering free charging for electric vehicles.

Giant Food has begun to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that are free to use for EV drivers at select locations across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. Working with EV charging network Volta, Giant Food expects to complete installation of 60 stations by the end of 2020, and installation of 200 stations by mid-2021 as part of its broader sustainability initiative.

All stores that are part of the initiative will offer two Volta charging stations, featuring the company’s high-resolution, two-sided, 55-inch high-definition displays. Screens will also serve as a point of shopper engagement, sharing featured in-store specials and promotions for Giant loyalty 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."

"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, Volta. "We are working with Giant to deliver a seamless charging experience to their growing number of forward-thinking shoppers."

Giant Food is headquartered in Landover, Md. and operates 163 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Included within the 163 stores are 154 full-service pharmacies, 81 full-service PNC Banks and 23 Starbucks locations.