Tesco and Volkswagen are developing free charging points for electric cars across 600 of its stores in the UK within the next three years.
The retail Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network, powered by Pod Point, will allow customers to charge their electric cars using a normal 7kW charger for free or a ‘rapid’ 50 kW charger for a small cost in line with market rate.
Over 2,400 EV charging bays will be rolled out in Tesco Extra and Superstore car parks.
Environmental Challenges
“This is part of our wider commitment to addressing the environmental challenges that matter most to our customers, colleagues, and communities,” Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO UK & ROI.
“We want to be the leading Electric Vehicle energy provider and to support our customers with more sustainable solutions. Our EV network provides a sustainable choice for our customers and charging while they shop is another little help to make their lives easier.”
Erik Fairbairn, CEO of Pod Point, said that the agreement represents a 14% increase in the number of public charge bays in the UK and is “a monumental day for electric vehicle drivers”.
“It is a massive leap forward for the UK and a significant step in our mission to put a Pod Point everywhere you park,” he said.
Jesse Norman, the Minister for EVs at the Department for Transport, welcomed Tesco’s pledge to roll out the charge bays.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
