Volkswagen, Tesco and Pod Point have announced that its free retail EV charging network has hit half a million charges since launching in December 2019.
According to the partnership, three million kWh of free carbon-neutral electricity has been supplied as part of the complimentary scheme, enabling the EVs to cover more than 10 million miles.
Furthermore, based on the average new petrol or diesel car sold in the UK, the scheme has reduced carbon emissions by approximately 2,120 tonnes.
The announcement was welcomed by UK transport secretary Grant Shapps. “As we accelerate toward a cleaner and greener transport future, it’s great to see one of Britain’s most iconic household names leading the way with electric vehicle charge points.
“In the time it takes to pick up the groceries, drivers up and down the country can now quickly and easily charge their cars and with £2.5bn of government support to encourage their take-up, there has never been a better time to switch to an EV.”
With free charging points installed at some 600 supermarkets around the UK, the Tesco Extra in Slough is reportedly the busiest site within the network, with its sockets used more than 10,000 times so far.
Tony Hoggett, chief operating officer at Tesco, said: “We are committed to reducing carbon emissions in all our operations and aim to be carbon neutral in the UK 2035.
“Providing customers with charging points offers them a sustainable choice and giving them the opportunity to charge their car for free while they shop is a little help to make this easier.”
Shoppers can use the 7kW chargers, along with 22kW rapid chargers where available, for free, while 50kW rapid chargers are available to use at the market rate.
