Tesco and VW partner to provide UK's largest retail EV charging network

Tesco and VW have announced the development of what they say is the largest UK retail Electric Vehicle charging network, powered by Pod Point. The network, to have 2,400 charging bays across 600 Tesco stores will involve a combination of (free) 7kW and paid for (rapid) 50kW chargers.

 

Tesco, the UK’s leading fuel retailer and VW, the world’s largest car manufacturer, will roll out the development over the next three years. The charging bays will be based in Tesco Extra and Superstore car parks and will be installed by POD Point.

 

Erik Fairbairn, CEO of Pod Point, said: “This agreement represents a 14% increase in the number of public charge bays in the UK and is a monumental day for electric vehicle drivers.”

 

Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO UK & ROI, said: “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.”

 

Jesse Norman, the Minister for EVs at the Department for Transport, said: “The Government is committed to making the UK the best place in the world to build and own an electric vehicle. For that we need high quality infrastructure in place to support ultra-low emission vehicles around the country. The Government set out plans in its Road to Zero strategy to deliver a significant increase in this infrastructure and we welcome Tesco’s pledge to roll out over 2,400 new charge bays across their stores.”

 

Geraldine Ingham, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “This incredibly exciting partnership underlines the scale and ambition of our electric car programme in the UK.”