Aldi has issued a reminder to electric vehicle (EV) drivers that they can charge their cars while shopping at hundreds of its UK stores this summer. The supermarket chain, which operates 1,086 stores across the country, now offers EV charging at more than 250 locations, with prices starting at 40p per kWh.
EV Charging Network Expansion
Aldi recently transitioned around 1,200 EV chargers at over 250 stores to Drax Electric Vehicles, a renewable energy company. The chargers include both fast and rapid options, with fast charging priced at 40p per kWh and rapid charging at 62p per kWh. Drivers can check availability, view costs, and pay through the Charge Assist app or via contactless card payment, with no subscription required.
Stores with charging facilities include locations in Diss (Norfolk), Eastbourne, Durham, and Yate near Bristol. Aldi plans to install chargers at around 20 new stores each year as part of its expansion, offering a mix of fast and rapid chargers.
Summer Travel Convenience
With many families heading off on day trips, staycations, and longer journeys over the summer holidays, Aldi says its EV charging network allows drivers to top up while stocking up on picnic food, drinks, and other essentials. Nearly all of Aldi's stores have car parks, with more than 550 managed by Parkingeye.
Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: "We’re committed to making sustainable choices more accessible for our shoppers, and we know many are looking for affordable, reliable and convenient ways to charge their cars. By expanding EV charging at more of our stores, we’re helping to make that easier and offering great-value charging while they shop."
Supporting the UK's EV Transition
The expansion supports the UK government's target to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, with all new vehicles required to be zero-emission by 2035. After 2030, no new traditional petrol or diesel vehicles will be sold, but full hybrids and plug-in hybrids with substantial zero-emission range will be permitted until 2035.
Electric vehicles are classified into four main types: battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Aldi's charging network supports the growing number of EVs on UK roads.
