New scheme to let electric car owners charge vehicles for free in Pulborough

Electric car owners in Pulborough can now charge their vehicles for free at the village’s Tesco.
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Volkswagen and Tesco have partnered to provide the largest retail electric vehicle charging network in the UK – powered by Pod Point – giving EV drivers a place to charge their cars while doing their shopping.

The Tesco Metro on London Road has now been fitted with complimentary charging points, Volkswagen said. Owners of electric cars made by any EV manufacturer can use the 7kW charging points for free. Drivers just need to download the Pod Point app, plug in the charger and confirm their charge.

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The free charging points are a response to the growing demand for electric cars, with Volkswagen committed to help transform accessibility for EV owners.

Tesco has introduced charging points in its Pulborough store. (Stock photo)Tesco has introduced charging points in its Pulborough store. (Stock photo)
Tesco has introduced charging points in its Pulborough store. (Stock photo)

It is part of a nationwide rollout which will see 2,400 charging points installed at up to 600 Tesco stores over three years – with all electricity used to charge cars generated from renewable sources.

Ross Keeley General Sales Manager of Caffyns Volkswagen Worthing, said: “Volkswagen is serious about e-mobility and we’re really excited about the arrival of our new ID.3 electric family hatchback, which will arrive in the UK later this year.

“Our partnership with Tesco and Pod Point is making electric car ownership even more attractive. Everyone loves a freebie and owners of any EV, whether it’s a Volkswagen or not, can plug their car in and give it a charge.

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“We’re delighted to be playing a role in boosting charging infrastructure.

“It is part of Volkswagen’s aim to improve EV ownership for all drivers and the initial response from motorists is really encouraging.”

Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO for the UK and ROI, said: “We’re now well on our way to achieving our ambition of installing more than 2,400 EV charging bays across 600 Tesco stores.

“Providing customers with charging points offers them a sustainable choice and giving them the opportunity to charge their car for free while they shop is a little help to make this easier.”

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Erik Fairbairn, from Pod Point, added: “We’re really excited to be providing drivers in Pulborough with more opportunities to charge while they shop.

“Working with Tesco and Volkswagen to roll out smart, easy-to-use chargepoints across the UK will help accelerate EV adoption.”

It is estimated the average electric car owner will be able to get around 22.5 miles of free charge while plugging in for their weekly shop.

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