Tesco and Volkswagen have announced plans to install more than 2,400 EV charging bays using the Pod Point network at 600 Tesco stores within the next three years. This will create the biggest UK retail network of charging points.

The companies say that the charging bays are to be installed at Tesco Extra and Superstore car parks. 7kW chargers will be available for free, while a 50kW charge will be charged to the customer in line with market rates.

“This agreement represents a 14% increase in the number of public charge bays in the UK and is a monumental day for electric vehicle drivers. It is a massive leap forward for the UK,” said Pod Point CEO Erik Fairbairn.

“The Government is committed to making the UK the best place in the world to build and own an electric vehicle. For that we need high quality infrastructure in place to support ultra-low emission vehicles around the country,” said Department for Transport minister for EVs Jesse Norman, “we welcome Tesco’s pledge to roll out over 2,400 new charge bays across their stores.”