Volkswagen and Tesco will develop what they claim will be by the UK’s largest retail electric vehicle (EV) charging network, powered by Pod Point.
They will roll out more than 2,400 EV charging bays across 600 Tesco stores within the next three years.
Customers will be able to charge their electric cars using a standard 7kW fast charger for free, or benefit from the use of a rapid 50 kW charger for a small cost in line with the market rate.
Tesco wants to offer customers and local communities an alternative to fossil fuels, and also play its part in supporting the transition to a low-carbon, clean air UK. It also builds on its commitment to 100% renewable electricity made in May 2017.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen wants to sell one million electric cars a year worldwide by 2025.
Geraldine Ingham, head of marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “This incredibly exciting partnership with Tesco, powered by Pod Point, underlines the scale and ambition of our electric car programme in the UK.
“Working with these partners to provide such an extensive network of EV chargers should leave no one in any doubt about the Volkswagen brand’s wholehearted commitment to an electric future.”
Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO UK & ROI, added: “As the UK’s biggest fuel retailer, we have a role to play in supporting the transition to a low carbon future and improving air quality.
“We know our customers are increasingly moving towards electric vehicles, offering charging while they shop is another little help to make their lives easier.”
The deal represents a 14% increase in the number of public charge bays in the UK, which Erik Fairbairn, CEO of Pod Point, described as 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.
The RAC welcomed the improvement in infrastructure. RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “For more than a year we have been calling for charging infrastructure in places where drivers are likely to spend extended periods of time, such as supermarkets and public car parks, so we applaud all the parties involved in agreeing this deal.”
Dennis also believe it will go some way towards reducing range anxiety, where drivers are concerned they will run out of charge before completing a journey.
“The fact that a choice of charging speeds will be offered at Tesco sites will also likely suit the needs of a lot of electric and plug-in hybrid car drivers, ” he continued. “It will mean they can receive a welcome boost of electric charge for minimum fuss while they do their regular shop, with some benefiting from completely free charging.
“Strong and easy-to-use charging infrastructure, alongside the development of battery technology and lower upfront costs, is vital in accelerating the take-up of electric vehicles.”
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Gareth has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist having started his career in local newspapers in the 1990s. Prior to joining Fleet News in 2008, he worked in the public sector as a media advisor and is currently news editor at Fleet News.
Paul Gauntlett - 03/12/2018 10:04
Whilst 'Every Little Helps' this equates to 4 charging points per store installed over the next three years. It's a great step in the right direction but I hope in three years time there are more than 4 EV points per store and that other stores and major sites have followed too. What's really needed is a Fast charging point at every major 'Petrol' Station, not only to make the technology easier to adopt by fleets but to also drive the awareness. 'Build it and they will come'.