- New data published by Zapmap and the RAC shows that the number of EV charge points located at UK supermarkets has increased by 34% in just 18 months.
- Between the start of 2024 and June 2025, supermarkets added a total of 1,001 EV charge points, making a significant contribution to the total number of public charge points across the UK – currently 84,000 and rising.
- With drivers able to combine their charging sessions with a weekly shop which is likely to take as long as the charging time required, supermarket charging locations will be key to drive further EV adoption in the UK.
Supermarkets take the lead on providing EV charging in the UK
The 1,001 charge points installed at supermarkets over the last 18 months, of which over half were either rapid or ultra-rapid charger installs, bring the total number of charge points installed at UK supermarkets to 3,917. This now means that around 14% of the UK’s supermarkets (including those without parking) offer EV charging, helping more make the switch to electric – particularly those unable to charge up at home.
With supermarket chains continuing to advance their EV charging plans, we can expect this sector to make a decent dent in the government target of 300,000 public chargers by 2030. The strategy being employed by supermarkets to offer EV charging differs, however. Sainsbury’s has decided to go it alone and take full control, launching its own in-house CPO, Smart Charge. Despite only existing for over two years, it is already operating charging sites at 79 stores across the country. Other supermarkets have teamed up with existing CPOs to provide charging infrastructure to their stores: For example, Tesco has partnered with Pod Point, whilst Waitrose benefits from Shell Recharge infrastructure at its stores.
The report from Zapmap and the RAC also outlines which supermarkets are providing the highest number of charge points at its stores: With Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl leading the charge in first, second, and third place respectively.
RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, commented:
“A perceived lack of public charge points is one of the main reasons drivers give for not planning to get an EV next time they change their car. It’s therefore extremely encouraging to see so many supermarkets doing what they can to bust this myth by installing hundreds more charging units at locations across the UK
Iceland has entered the charging league for the first time ever, while our analysis shows giants like Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are focused almost exclusively on providing rapid and ultra-rapid charge points. These higher-powered charge points are a crucial piece of the puzzle, especially for drivers that either don’t want to spend long shopping, or that don’t have their own off-street parking space at home so have to rely on public charging.
We now need to see every retail chain doing what it can to maintain momentum by increasing the number of stores that offer EV charging. Faster installations from retailers, coupled with more financial incentives like the Government’s Electric Car Grant, will help boost the number of drivers ready to make the switch to electric motoring.”
