Tesco has implemented new pricing for its EV charge points from today, ending free charging at its stores.

Pod Point said that ending free charging at Tesco stores would ensure EV drivers only top up when they need to

The supermarket giant teamed up with VW and Pod Point in 2019 to roll out the UK’s “largest free charging network” of 7kW chargers and reached the landmark of more than 500 locations with free charging in March this year. Its network also includes 22kW chargers and 50kW rapids, the latter previously priced at 28p/kWh.

The new pricing tariff, revealed in a tweet by Pod Point, introduces the following charges with immediate effect:

Pod Point said that the network had provided more than 86 million miles of free electric driving and saved over 12 thousand tonnes of CO2.

It added that the new tariffs were “some of the most competitive in the market” and would enable continue investment in the network.

A spokesperson continued: “It’s hoped that by making these changes customers will only top up when they need to, ensuring that they make way for others once their cars are charged.”

Tesco also said it’s currently on track with plans to meet its target of installing EV charging at 600 stores across the UK, due to be reached in spring 2023.

It’s also worth noting that the 7kW chargers are still significantly cheaper than the typical rate a customer would pay to charge at home, under the domestic price cap of around 34p/kWh.

Olly Jones, co-founder of electric car subscription service Elmo, said: “In 2018 Tesco and Pod Point joined forces to offer free 7kW AC charging to Tesco customers. Since then, an estimated 86 million miles of free electricity has been enjoyed by EV drivers, according to Pod Point. As of 2nd November 2022, the previously free 7kW units will cost 28p/kWh.

“Initiatives like this have been a fantastic way to incentivise adoption of electric cars during this relatively early stage of the transition; and, while the timing is unfortunate with many customers feeling the cost of living pinch, free charging was unlikely to last forever. I expect other supermarkets to follow suit in the coming months too.

“On a positive note, many customers complained that the free charging stations were not being used as intended – for people to top up while nipping into the shops – and were always taken up by people staying well beyond the permitted 2 hours. Introducing a fee may help these chargers be used as intended. On top of that the 28p/kWh fee is competitive and likely cheaper than many people’s domestic tariff at the moment.”