Costco pilots EV fast chargers with help from SpaceX Starlink.

Costco pilots EV fast chargers with help from SpaceX Starlink.

Post by : Amit

Photo: Reuters

Los Angeles, CA — Costco, the beloved bulk-buying retail giant known for $1.50 hot dog combos and loyal members, is about to give electric vehicle (EV) drivers a new reason to swing by its parking lots — ultra-fast EV charging. In a surprising and futuristic twist, the company is teaming up with none other than SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space-tech powerhouse, to pilot a state-of-the-art EV charging program, integrating satellite-powered connectivity for seamless user experience.

The pilot program is currently rolling out at a handful of Costco locations in California, a state that remains at the forefront of the EV revolution. The plan is simple yet powerful: allow customers to charge their electric vehicles at lightning speed while they shop — without ever needing to download an app, create an account, or jump through digital hoops.

Unlike many public charging stations that require multiple apps or subscriptions, Costco’s model aims to streamline the experience. Just drive up, plug in, and pay with your credit card or Costco membership — just like filling up gas at their traditional fuel pumps.

Early reports suggest that the new fast-charging stations are capable of reaching up to 400 kilowatts, rivaling or even surpassing existing high-speed networks from Tesla and Electrify America.

Here’s where it gets more interesting: the chargers are powered by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet, providing robust, high-speed, low-latency connectivity to support real-time software updates, data monitoring, and smooth payment processing. This means the chargers can function even in remote or underserved areas where traditional cellular networks might struggle — an issue that often plagues EV infrastructure.

For SpaceX, this marks one of the first major commercial deployments of its Starlink “satellite-to-charger” model — hinting at broader ambitions beyond homes, planes, and RVs.

The U.S. EV market is growing rapidly, with millions of new electric vehicles expected to hit the road over the next five years. But public charging access — especially fast, reliable, and convenient charging — remains one of the biggest roadblocks for mainstream adoption.

Costco’s move could be a game-changer. With more than 600 warehouse locations across the U.S., often in suburban areas with large parking lots, the retailer is uniquely positioned to become a major player in the EV charging space almost overnight.

If the pilot succeeds, the company could roll out chargers nationally, giving EV owners a powerful new option for reliable, affordable, and accessible charging — all while doing their weekend grocery run.

This partnership also hints at a future where energy, connectivity, and commerce blend in unexpected ways. Imagine a not-so-distant tomorrow where you can refuel your car, browse 80-inch TVs, and upload files to the cloud via satellite — all under the same warehouse roof.

It also reinforces a broader trend in the EV space: legacy retailers and new-tech giants teaming up to build the infrastructure of tomorrow. From Walmart to 7-Eleven to Starbucks, the retail battleground is shifting — and charging stations are becoming prime real estate.

Initial customer feedback has been enthusiastic. “It’s incredibly convenient,” said Michelle Tran, a Tesla Model Y driver who recently tested the service in Culver City. “I used to hate juggling charging apps. Here, I just swipe and plug. And by the time I finished grabbing groceries, I was almost fully charged.”

Costco has yet to confirm how long the pilot phase will run or how many chargers will be installed in the initial rollout. However, internal sources suggest the company is watching performance metrics closely and could scale quickly if the economics work out.

Costco’s foray into EV fast charging — powered by a high-tech assist from SpaceX — is more than just a headline-worthy experiment. It reflects a smart, strategic pivot toward a greener, more connected future.

If successful, it could help close one of the biggest gaps in America’s EV ecosystem, giving everyday drivers more confidence to go electric — and maybe pick up a 48-pack of toilet paper while they’re at it.

June 28, 2025 10:34 a.m. 871

costco wholesale, SpaceX

King Charles Says Cancer Treatment to Be Reduced in the New Year
Dec. 13, 2025 6:12 p.m.
Britain’s King Charles says his cancer treatment will be reduced next year, calling it good news during a national cancer awareness address
Read More
China Seeks Stronger Oil, Gas, and Investment Ties with UAE
Dec. 13, 2025 5:31 p.m.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledges stronger ties with UAE in energy, investment, and infrastructure during Middle East tour
Read More
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Praises Troops Returning from Russia Mission
Dec. 13, 2025 4:05 p.m.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un welcomes troops home from Russia, praising their service and awarding honors to fallen soldiers
Read More
China Says It Will Increase Exports and Imports in 2026 to Support Stable Trade Growth
Dec. 13, 2025 3:10 p.m.
China plans to grow exports and imports in 2026, aiming for sustainable trade, higher consumption, and reduced global trade tensions
Read More
US Scraps Union Contract for TSA Officers, Sparking Legal Fight and Worker Concerns
Dec. 13, 2025 2:11 p.m.
The US government has ended a union contract covering 47,000 TSA officers, prompting a lawsuit threat and renewed debate over workers’ rights
Read More
IndiGo to Pay Over $55 Million to Passengers After Mass Flight Cancellations
Dec. 13, 2025 1:07 p.m.
IndiGo says it will pay over $55 million to customers affected by last week’s mass flight cancellations caused by pilot scheduling issues
Read More
New Air Force One Faces Another Delay as Boeing Misses Delivery Timeline
Dec. 13, 2025 12:02 p.m.
The delivery of the new Air Force One jets has been delayed again, raising concerns as President Trump hopes to use them before his term ends
Read More
US Pushes Plan for International Force in Gaza as Fragile Peace Holds
Dec. 13, 2025 11:05 a.m.
The United States aims to deploy an international force in Gaza early next year, but key questions remain over security and disarmament
Read More
Thailand Pushes Ahead With Border Fight as Ceasefire Claims Fall Apart
Dec. 13, 2025 10:38 a.m.
Thailand vows to continue military action against Cambodia after denying any ceasefire, even as U.S. claims peace efforts succeeded
Read More
Sponsored

Trending News