Are supermarket EV chargers free?

The State of Supermarket EV Charging in 2024

Supermarkets have emerged as ideal locations for EV charging stations because:

• Customers typically spend 30-60 minutes shopping (perfect for topping up)
• Large parking lots provide ample space for installation
• Retailers can attract eco-conscious shoppers

However, policies on free charging vary significantly between chains and regions. Let’s break it down:

UK Supermarket Charging Policies

The UK leads in supermarket charging availability, with most major chains now offering some form of EV charging:

1. Tesco
   • Free 7kW chargers at 500+ locations (Pod Point network)
   • Paid 50kW rapid chargers available at some stores
   • No time limits on free chargers (but intended for customers)
2. Sainsbury’s
   • Mix of free and paid chargers (mostly Pod Point)
   • Some stores offer 7kW free charging
   • Rapid chargers typically cost £0.30-£0.45/kWh
3. Asda
   • Primarily paid charging (BP Pulse network)
   • Rates around £0.45/kWh
   • Some free chargers at newer stores
4. Waitrose
   • Free 7kW chargers at most locations
   • Partnered with Shell Recharge
   • 2-3 hour time limits typically enforced
5. Aldi & Lidl
   • Free 7kW-22kW chargers at many locations
   • Primarily Pod Point units
   • Intended for customers (1-2 hour limits)

US Supermarket Charging Landscape

The US market differs significantly, with fewer free options:

1. Walmart
   • Electrify America stations at 1,000+ locations
   • All paid charging ($0.36-0.48/kWh typically)
   • Some locations getting Tesla Superchargers
2. Kroger
   • Mix of ChargePoint and EVgo stations
   • Mostly paid charging
   • Pilot programs with free charging at select locations
3. Whole Foods
   • Free Level 2 charging at many locations
   • Typically 2 hour limits
   • Tesla Destination Chargers at some stores
4. Target
   • Partnered with Tesla, ChargePoint and others
   • Mostly paid charging
   • Some free stations in California

European Supermarket Charging

European policies vary by country and chain:

1. Carrefour (France)
   • Free 22kW charging at many locations
   • Time limits of 2-3 hours
   • Rapid chargers available for payment
2. Edeka (Germany)
   • Mix of free and paid options
   • Typically free for customers
3. Albert Heijn (Netherlands)
   • Paid charging only
   • Fast chargers available

Why Some Supermarkets Offer Free Charging

Retailers have several motivations for providing free charging:

1. Customer Attraction - EV drivers may choose stores with charging
2. Dwell Time Increase - Charging customers shop longer
3. Sustainability Goals - Supporting EV adoption aligns with ESG targets
4. Government Incentives - Some programs subsidize installation

However, as EV adoption grows, many chains are transitioning to paid models to cover electricity and maintenance costs.

How to Find Free Supermarket Chargers

Use these tools to locate free charging:

1. Zap-Map (UK) – Filter by “free” and “supermarkets”
2. PlugShare - Check user reports on pricing
3. Supermarket Apps - Many now show charger status
4. Google Maps - Search “free EV charging near me”

The Future of Supermarket Charging

Industry trends suggest:

1. More paid charging as electricity costs rise
2. Faster chargers being installed (50kW+)
3. Loyalty program integration (free charging for members)
4. Solar-powered stations at some locations

Key Takeaways

✅ Many UK supermarkets still offer free charging (Tesco, Waitrose, Aldi, Lidl)
✅ US supermarkets mostly charge fees (except some Whole Foods locations)
✅ Always check pricing before plugging in - policies change frequently
✅ Time limits often apply even for free chargers

As the EV revolution continues, supermarket charging will likely remain an important – if evolving – resource for electric vehicle owners. The landscape changes rapidly, so it’s always worth checking current policies at your local stores.