Volkswagen, Tesco and Pod Point have announced the rollout of a free EV charging network at hundreds of Tesco stores across the UK.
Last year, the three companies announced their intention to install around 2,400 EV charging points at 600 Tesco stores.
The rollout is now under way with EV owners at 100 Tesco stores throughout the country able to recharge their cars for free while shopping.
The 7kW chargers are designed to be used by all EVs, not just Volkswagens, and all electricity comes from renewable sources.
What’s more, Volkswagen has created a calculator that lets shoppers know how many free miles per year they could get from charging their EV at Tesco.
Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO UK & ROI, said: “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 another little help to make their lives easier.”
Data from Pod Point has revealed the charging points were used more than 12,000 times in November, powering customers’ vehicles with almost 60,000kWh of energy.
Erik Fairbairn, founder and CEO, Pod Point, said: “Providing smart, easy-to-use chargepoints at this scale is likely to accelerate the transition to electric cars up and down the country.
“Being able to top up while you shop at so many locations makes it more convenient to go electric than ever before.”
