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My name is Rhys, a first time dad blogging about my adventures and experiences of being a parent. [email protected]

Tesco to end free EV charging at its stores

PodPoint EV Charger at Tesco in Culverhouse, Cardiff

Make the most of it whilst you can, as Tesco’s Podpoint system will start charging to use its chargers from Tuesday, 1 November 2022.

The Tesco & Volkswagen delivers the nations largest retail EV charging network, with more than 500 across its network and continues to add more charge points. As of today, the Tesco EV charging network has saved over 12 thousand tonnes of CO2.

The charging bays are typically located in Tesco Extra and Superstore car parks throughout the United Kingdom. Currently, Tesco offers its customers a free to use service, meaning most cars can charge up to 24 miles per hour for free. The extra wide bays are also an added bonus for when you shop and are usually located closer to the front of the stores.

Despite the annoyance to drivers that they will now have to pay for electricity, it’s still typically cheaper than charging at home and certainly cheaper than most other EV charging network sites. For example, our at home price is 34p /kWh all day, every day, but some energy suppliers offer even lower rates throughout the night such as Octopus’ Intelligent Plan at 12p /kWh.

Current pricing of the Tesco Podpoint chargers:

  • 7kW fast chargers are free to use.
  • 50kW rapids cost 28p/kWh.
  • 22kW chargers (where 50kW rapids are also placed) are free to use

From Tuesday, 1 November, the new pricing will be as follows:

  • 7kW fast chargers cost 28p/kWh.
  • 50kW rapids cost 50p/kWh.
  • 22kW chargers will be 50p/kWh.

Despite this recent announcement, Tesco does remain one of the most convenient places to top up a charge whilst you shop. Depending on where you live in the UK, you are never too far away from a Tesco Extra store and you may even end up with surplus energy based on a 1 hour food shop.