Volkswagen and Tesco have announced today (Friday 30 November) the development of the largest UK retail electric vehicle (EV) charging network, powered by Pod Point.
The partnership will involve the roll-out of more than 2,400 EV charging bays across 600 Tesco stores within the next three years.
The charging bays will be based in Tesco Extra and superstore car parks throughout the UK, and will be installed by Pod Point: the UK’s largest independent public charging network operator.
Customers will be able to charge their electric cars using a standard 7kW fast charger for free, or use a rapid 50kW charger for a small cost in line with the market rate.
The ambitious initiative underlines Volkswagen’s commitment to becoming a leading player in e-mobility and deliver on its pledge to sell one million electric cars a year worldwide by 2025.
Geraldine Ingham, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, says: “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’s CEO for the UK and Republic of Ireland, adds: “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.”