Pod Point powers up 500 Tesco stores with free EV charging

A total of 500 Tesco stores have been supplied with free electric vehicle (EV) charging by Pod Point, including 100 stores with rapid chargers.

In partnership with Tesco and Volkswagen, the company is installing free charging points at 600 supermarkets around the UK.

Free charging sessions on the network surged from 500,000 in April 2021 to over two million by the end of February 2022 – representing a 300% increase

According to the company, EV drivers have received more than 41 million miles of free electric driving since Pod Point launched the rollout with Tesco and Volkswagen in 2019.

The 100 rapid chargers (50kW) have been installed at the competitive price of 28p p/kWh and where these are placed, free 22kW chargers are provided too. 

Inverness Inshes Extra in Scotland is the 500th store to have EV chargepoints installed.

In total, the company has installed 1,000 chargers at 500 Tesco supermarkets in the UK.

Erik Fairbairn, Pod Point founder and CEO, said: “The partnership is continuing to make a significant and very visible contribution to the UK’s charging infrastructure, giving drivers the confidence to transition to electric. Pod Point’s mission is to put an EV chargepoint everywhere you park and we’re delighted to see so many more shoppers up and down the country reap the benefits as we continue the rollout.”

The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that 190,727 battery electric vehicles were registered in the UK in 2021, an increase of 76.3% on 2020 as the drive to 2030’s electrification deadline continues.

Jason Tarry, CEO at Tesco UK & ROI, said: “We’re thrilled to see the rollout of free EV charging at our retail stores gather pace. The network is helping customers visiting Tesco who need to save time and charge while they shop. This latest milestone highlights the commitment across the business to our goal of carbon neutrality in the UK by 2035.”

Sarah Cox, head of marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “At Volkswagen we want to make carbon neutral mobility accessible to everyone. That’s why we’ve made sure these chargers aren’t just for Volkswagens and can be used by any electric car brand. It’s hugely encouraging that drivers from over 220 models from almost 40 different brands have already benefited from free, green top ups while shopping at Tesco.”

Image: Shutterstock.

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