Tesco’s electric car charging system has reached 500,000 charges two years after it was launched.
Working with Volkswagen and Pod Point, the retailer is installing free charging points in 600 supermarkets across the UK.
The partnership has now deployed its 500,000th free top-up, and three million kWh of electricity has been provided over that period.
That’s enough power to propel the new Volkswagen ID.4 all-electric SUV for approximately 10.4 million miles.
The announcement was welcomed by Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps, who said: “As we move towards a cleaner, greener transportation future, it is great to see one of the UK’s iconic names leading the way in electric vehicle charging.
“In the time it takes to collect the groceries, drivers across the country can quickly and easily top up their cars. With £ 2.5 billion government support to boost their uptake, there has never been a better time to switch to an EV. “
The Tesco Extra in Slough was the busiest free top-up supermarket. The sockets have been used more than 10,000 times.
It finished in the top five ahead of Tesco supermarkets in Stourbridge, Crawley, Altrincham and Bromley by Bow.
Volkswagen Director Andrew Savvas said: “Our partnership with Tesco and Pod Point underscores our commitment to climate-neutral mobility for all. We are excited to have reached this milestone and to help owners of all electric car brands refill free renewable energy while I do their grocery. “
Tony Hoggett, Tesco’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are committed to reducing carbon emissions in all of our operations and aiming to be carbon neutral in the UK by 2035.
“As part of this, we’d like to encourage our customers to play their part in introducing free-to-use EV chargers in 600 of our stores.
“Providing customers with charging stations gives them a sustainable choice and the ability to charge their car for free while shopping is a little help to make this easier.”
The two-year partnership was announced to improve charging infrastructure as the UK prepares for an electric future.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 108,205 battery electric vehicles were registered in the UK in 2020, an increase of 185 percent from 2019.
You can use the 7 kW chargers in conjunction with 22 kW fast chargers if they are available free of charge, while 50 kW fast chargers are available at market prices.
Erik Fairbairn, Pod Point Founder and CEO added, “The achievement of the 500,000 charge milestone is testament to the growing appetite for EVs and the ease and convenience of the charging experience.
“The partnership is making great strides toward our goal of delivering the nation’s largest EV retail network – one that is reliable, accessible, safe, and free, and that makes it even easier for drivers to choose and accelerate adoption of electricity.
“We look forward to adding power to even more local areas as we continue our rollout.”
