Tesco is said to be Britain’s biggest supplier of free-of-cost electricity for electric vehicles. The organisation aims to start now charging for the services they provide at all its stores. This charge is to be implemented from November 1, 2022.
For the slowest 7kW connections, the cost per kWh will be the lowest at 28p, increasing to 40p for 22kW AC connections and 50p for 50kW quick chargers. For now, only the 50kW DC chargers are given a price of 28p/kWh. The AC chargers require payment using the Podpoint app, and the 50kW fast points require payment via contactless technology.
“The new rates are among the most affordable on the market and will allow us to keep putting money into our network.” reads a statement from PodPoint. By implementing these measures, it is intended that customers would only top up when necessary and will move aside once their automobiles have been charged.
The cash will aid in funding and network expansion. By the end of spring 2023, 600 Tesco stores are expected to have charging installed, according to PodPoint.
“This update will serve as a blow to electric car drivers all around the country. Keeping the high energy prices in mind, this update will change how the masses see energy utilisation. This update will ensure sound cost-cutting to charge on a 7kW connector at Tesco than it is to charge at home, especially if you are deprived of a cheap night tariff,” said Ginny Buckley, founder, and CEO of Electrifying.com.
She continued, “while Tesco has taken the initiative to offer charging in handy locations, more must be done to ensure everyone can make the changeover confidently. I would also like to see energy companies implement lower night pricing at public charging stations to balance the supply grid and aid people without access to off-street parking.”
EV charging at Tesco was the free source of charging
The Tesco EV charging network, managed by Pod Point and used to be the largest source of free electricity for drivers of electric vehicles but will now require payment.
In 2018, Volkswagen collaborated with Tesco and the charging network to provide drivers with free charging at 7kW renewable energy-powered chargers situated on Tesco premises. As a result, drivers have used more than 86 million miles of the free electricity since it started, saving 12,000 tonnes of CO2, according to Pod Point.
However, because of the recent dramatic increases in electricity rates, starting on November 1 2022, Pod Point and Tesco will charge all drivers who top off their batteries at Tesco locations.
Pod point and Tesco are now charging to use EV chargers
After Pod Point and Tesco charged all the drivers who top off their batteries, drivers who previously used the 7kW chargers for free now have to pay 28p/kWh, which, depending on your tariff, may still be less than some people would spend to charge at home.
The revised tariffs, according to Pod Point, “are some of the most ambitious in the industry.” The business hoped the changes would encourage consumers to “just top up when they need to, making sure they make place for others once their cars are charged. The charging network at Tesco locations will continue to grow”, according to Pod Point.
Why are these changes happening?
Beginning on Tuesday, November 1 2022, Tesco will start charging owners of electric vehicles (EVs) who use its supermarket charge points throughout its locations. The mega-grocer revealed in 2019 that 100 of its Tesco stores now have free chargers.
According to Tesco, EV drivers have taken advantage of more than 86 million free miles of electric travel due to its free chargers. Tesco, Volkswagen, and Pod Point began the network, intending to add about 2,400 charge points.
These changes are happening to cater to the need for modern innovation. It will also ensure sound supply and demand and enable the organisation to make an initiative to offer charging in handy locations.
How much do Tesco Pod point EV chargers cost?
Tesco, Volkswagen, and Pod Point began the network, intending to add about 2,400 charge points. The most expensive 7kW connections will now cost EV drivers 28p/kWh, up to 40p for 22kW AC, and 50p for 50kW quick chargers. Only the 50kW DC chargers now have a price of 28p/kWh.
How do the new Tesco EV charging tariffs compare to others?
The slowest 7kW connections cost 28p/kWh for EV owners. The 22kW AC and 50kW quick chargers will increase to 40p and 50p, respectively. The new prices, which are among the most affordable on the market, will allow us to keep making network improvements, according to PodPoint.
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