New data from the RAC and Zap Map shows, nearly 1,000 new EV Charge Points have been installed at British supermarkets in the last 21 months.
The new EV charge points takes the total number of EV charging units at supermarkets to 2,059, up 85% from 1,112 in January 2020. This means that nearly 8% of all the United Kingdoms 26,000 public EV chargers are located at supermarkets, up from 6.5% in early 2020.
The total number of supermarkets providing EV charging infrastructure has more than doubled from 607 in early 2020 to 1,300 in 2021.
Tesco has led the way with their commitment to install EV charge points for customers. They added 641 EV chargers to their networking giving them a total of 922 across its 4,008 stores. This is 676 more than second place Asda who have 246 EV Chargers. However, only 13% of Tesco stores have EV charging infrastructure.
Morrisons, who partnered with GeniePoint in 2019, have installed EV charge points at 112 of its supermarkets over the last 21 months. This means that 40% of all Morrisons stores offer EV charging to its shoppers. This is the greatest proportion of any supermarket.
Lidl, who are Morissions nearest rival, has EV chargers at 24% of their supermarkets after installing EV charge points at 141 stores to give it a total of 203 sites.
The data shows that Morrisons has more rapid charge points than any other supermarket. They have fast charging devices at 40% (197) of their stores. In comparison, their nearest rival Lidl has 150, representing 17% of their stores.
RAC director of EVs Sarah Winward-Kotecha said: “While the majority of drivers going electric will be fortunate enough to be able to charge easily on their driveways at home, for the remainder it won’t be so easy so having access to free, or affordable, charging facilities at supermarkets is very important, and could even help accelerate EV take-up in the first place.”
“Rapid charge points, in particular, make it possible to run an EV easily without access to a home charger as drivers can get their cars topped up in the time it takes them to do their weekly shop. We call on all the supermarket chains to let their customers know what to expect when it comes to EV charging provision and recognise the vital role they play in encouraging many more drivers to opt for electric cars next time they change their vehicles.”
Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder of the UK’s leading charging point platform Zap-Map, said: “Over the past 12 months there has been more than 130,0003 new drivers of 100% electric cars on UK roads and usage of public charging has surged since the lockdown has eased.”
“To support the increased demand, more charge points will be needed in the future, so it is encouraging to see the progress made by the supermarkets.”
“These facilities will be good both for ‘top-up’ charging and as a replacement for home charging. As we move towards 2030, it will be important for supermarkets not only to accelerate this roll-out but also to ensure that the consumer experience is as good as possible by providing ‘open access’ and simple payment options.”
Why Are Supermarkets Installing EV Chargers?
EV chargers at supermarkets benefit consumers, the government, the environment, and supermarkets too.
The UK has set a net zero goal for 2050. The new goal comes in addition to banning the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. We can only achieve these green goals if ordinary Britons and private businesses work with the government to implement practical changes that bring big green rewards.
Supermarkets use EV chargers as a tool to attract consumers. By investing in EV charge point infrastructure, supermarkets make their commitment to the environment known to shoppers.
Environmentally conscious shoppers are also more likely to support a supermarket that shares their values.
The installation of EV chargers at supermarkets normalises EV driving, which is especially important for drivers hesitant about making the switch. Most concerns that new EV drivers have are related to EV charging. As more public EV charge points become available, more drivers will feel at ease to switch to greener driving.
Supermarket EV Charge Point Installers
For your business to take full advantage of the benefits that come with workplace EV charge point installation, you must choose an accredited EV charge point installation company. An untrained and inexperienced installation company could jeopardise the safety of your customers and business property.
Applegarth is an experienced, OLEV approved installation company. We have been providing renewable energy solutions to households and businesses across the UK for nearly 15 years. Our skilled technicians are trained to provide industry recognised and government-approved installations that our clients can trust.
We can provide EV charge point installations for big supermarkets, small businesses, and even holiday lets. Contact us today at 0151 649 8350 or email us at info@applegarth.co.uk to start the EV charge point installation process.
