Sam’s Club is a division of Walmart, but the two companies have different business models. Walmart works like any other retail chain, while Sam’s Club is more member-based, with shoppers getting lower prices for products and services. Both also offer automotive services, with Sam’s Club recently joining its parent company in providing EV charging stations. So, how much does it cost to charge an electric car at Sam’s Club, and is it cheaper than Walmart?

Sam’s Club automotive products and services now include EV charging stations

In addition to the low-cost food courts, hearing aids, and eyeglasses that are part and parcel of the warehouse club’s membership, Sam’s Club also provides automotive products and services.

Traditionally those perks included discounted gasoline at many Sam’s Club locations for members. That’s in addition to free battery testing, flat tire repairs, and windshield wiper replacements.

In addition, Sam’s Auto Program is available for all membership levels. Car buyers get access to 10,000 TrueCar-certified dealerships, which can make it easier to purchase a vehicle. And buying through the Auto Program can help customers save around $3,463 off the MSRP.

Furthermore, registering a new vehicle with the program within 45 days unlocks new perks. Examples include the club reimbursing insurance claim deductibles and 20% of repair costs for consumers (except in New York and New Hampshire).

As of May 2022, Sam’s Club also offers discounts on EV charging. According to The Street, Sam’s Club Mastercard holders earn 5% back in Sam’s Cash for using eligible EV charging stations.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car at Sam’s Club?

The cost to charge an EV at Sam’s Club varies according to the location and provider. For instance, the store at 1177 Sams St. in Cookeville, Tennessee, has Electrify America EV charging stations. Electrify America account holders pay about $4 monthly and about 12 cents per minute to use the 90-kW plugs.

Those using 350-kW fast charging pay double per minute of charging. Additionally, users without Electrify America memberships pay 16 cents per minute, which doubles to 32 cents for the fast-charging plugs.

At Sam’s Club at 8300 W. 135th St. in Overland Park, Kansas, the cost comes to 20 cents per kWh plus tax. Most other locations follow a similar pricing model. That said, the taxes for Sam’s Club at 5201 N. Belt Hwy. in St Joseph, Missouri, include a Missouri state tax, Buchanan County sales tax, St. Joseph city sales tax, and a St. Joseph Franchise fee.

Walmart vs. Sam’s Club EV charging station prices

Charging an electric car at Walmart costs about the same as at Sam’s Club. In particular, if you use an Electrify America charging station, expect to pay 12 cents per minute using the 90-kW plugs. Similarly, you’ll have to pay 24 cents per minute if you opt for the 350kW plug.

Drivers without an Electrify America Pass+ membership will pay 16 cents and 32 cents for the 90-kW and 350-kW plugs, respectively. Home Battery Bank notes that using a 350-kW charger to juice an EV to 80% for about 15 to 30 minutes would cost $3.60 for Pass+ members and $4.80 for non-members.

Other Walmart charging stations might cost 20 cents per kWh plus tax. However, the big-box retailer doesn’t offer 5% Sam’s Cash back for using select charging stations with the Sam’s Club MasterCard.