Tesco to install 2,400 EV charging bays at 600 stores

2,400 EV charging bays will be installed at 600 Tesco stores within the next three years after the supermarket chain announced a partnership with car manufacturer Volkswagon.

The charging bays will be based in Tesco Extra and Superstore car parks and will be installed by Pod Point, who say the charging bays will increase the UK’s total charging capacity by 14%.

Customers will be able to charge their electric cars using a standard 7kW fast charger for free, or be able to use a 50 kW charger for a ‘small cost.’

Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO UK & ROI, said: ‘This is part of our wider commitment to addressing the environmental challenges that matter most to our customers, colleagues and communities.

‘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.’

Volkswagen has previously said they hope to sell one million electric cars a year worldwide by 2025.

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.

‘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.’