Electric vehicle charging station manufacturer and supplier Pod Point has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with supermarket chain Lidl to install and operate its rapid EV chargers across the UK.

Pod Point will be installing rapid charge points at 40 selected stores to provide customers with the opportunity to charge their electric vehicles, for free, while they shop.

The triple standard rapid charge points will be able to charge AC and DC at the same time up to a speed of 53kW.

In everyday terms, this means that an electric vehicle such as a Nissan Leaf getting an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes.

EV drivers will be able to plug in as soon as each rapid charge point is in place, using Pod Point’s Open Charge mobile app. 

Lidl customers will be able to locate each rapid charge station via Pod Point’s country-wide live availability map. On site, each station will have its own dedicated bay, clearly signposted and branded. 

Lidl is currently offering rapid charging to customers free of charge until further notice.

Erik Fairbairn, CEO of Pod Point, said: “While most electric vehicle charging happens where drivers live and work, we know that a fast, reliable public charging network is also a vital component - and a real shop window for EV.

“We’re excited to be working with Lidl to ensure its customers get a faster and better charging service.

"Our partnership with Lidl is also an important element in the wider rollout of the Open Charge Network, and a significant step towards our target of putting a Pod Point everywhere people park for an hour or more by 2020.”