Volkswagen and Tesco have announced a partnership to create the UK’s largest retail-based charging network in association with charger supplier Pod Point.
Over the next three years, 600 Tesco Extra and Superstore sites will be receiving 2,400 fast and rapid charging points between them – with customers able to choose from free 7kW fast charging or pay a small amount to use the 50kW rapid charging service.
This initiative is part of Volkswagen’s strategy to becoming a major player in electric motoring and mobility – with the German brand planning on selling one million electric cars around the world by 2025.
Those sales will incorporate the all-electric I.D. model family – the I.D. hatch, I.D. Buzz MPV and I.D. Crozz SUV. Volkswagen currently offers the e-Golf and e-up! in its current EV range, while GTE plug-in hybrid models are also available.
Volkswagen UK head of marketing, Geraldine Ingham, said: “This incredibly exciting partnership with Tesco, powered by Pod Point, underlines the scale and ambition of our electric car programme in the UK.
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“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 Terry, Tesco UK and Republic of Ireland chief executive officer, 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.”
