What’s Happening: Tesco’s Kirkwall superstore has become the 600th store in the UK to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points. This marks the completion of a three-year program in partnership with Volkswagen and Pod Point that has provided over 43,218kWh of energy and installed more than 2,500 EV charging bays at Tesco stores across the country.
Why It Matters: The rapid growth of EV charging infrastructure is essential for the UK’s transition to an electric future. As of February 2023, there were 693,307 battery-electric cars in the UK, a 610% increase from 2019. By offering an extensive charging network, Tesco, Volkswagen, and Pod Point are making it easier and more convenient for EV drivers to charge their vehicles while they shop.
Key Points:
- The charging points have been used over 6,000,000 times, saving more than 24,000 tonnes of CO2.
- The network includes 129 rapid chargers and is generated from renewable energy sources.
- Drivers of any EV manufacturer can use the charging points with the Pod Point app.
- The 600th store milestone coincides with a new trial phase featuring the installation of 75kW charging units at select Tesco stores.
Bottom Line: The successful partnership between Tesco, Volkswagen, and Pod Point has established the largest retail EV charging network in the UK, promoting sustainable choices and supporting the transition to electric mobility. As the network continues to expand, more EV drivers will have access to convenient charging options, accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and reducing CO2 emissions.
