Last year, Volkswagen announced that it has partnered with Tesco and Pod Point to install more than 2,400 electric car charging bays.
Fast forward 12 months and shoppers will find 7 kW electric car charging points at 100 Tesco stores across the UK.
The charging points are free for shoppers – and they’re not just for Volkswagens. All electric car owners are able to use the free chargers.
Volkswagen visited Tesco in Potters Bar in the new ID.3 electric car – the first time the model has been seen in the UK since its debut in Frankfurt.
Research shows that the average Brit spends 50 minutes a week in a supermarket, although this is likely to be longer in the period leading up to Christmas.
Based on the 50-minute average, Tesco shoppers could get around 22.5 miles of free charging. Over the course of a year, this works out at 1,170 miles.
Breaking down barriers
Geraldine Ingham, head of marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “This fantastic partnership with Tesco and Pod Point makes choosing an electric car even more attractive, allowing people to charge for free, all while going about their daily business.
“And the best bit is that this is not just for Volkswagens – the chargers are designed for any electric car owner to take advantage of.
“We are really pleased to help break down any remaining barriers to opting for an electric car.”
Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO UK and ROI, added: “We’re now well on our way to achieving our ambition of installing more than 2,400 EV charging bays across 600 Tesco stores.
“Providing customers with charging points offers them a sustainable choice and giving them the opportunity to charge their car for free while they shop is another little help to make their lives easier.”
The Volkswagen ID.3 made its debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, with the first cars set to hit the streets in 2020.
Three battery sizes are available at launch offering between 205 and 340 miles of electric range. Prices will start from £27,000, but the top-end first edition cars are available from £35,000.
In other news, our Tim Pitt is driving the new eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf today. Come back soon for his first drive thoughts and opinions.