Aldi has confirmed a major change to its car parks at more than 250 UK stores, transferring 1,200 electric vehicle charge points to energy company Drax. The supermarket, named the cheapest in the UK for June 2026, aims to provide customers with a quick and convenient way to top up their EVs during their shop.
New Charging Prices and Options
The new charging network will offer rapid charging at 62p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and fast charging at 40p per kWh. Stores already featuring the upgraded facilities include Aldi's Diss store in Norfolk, as well as locations in Eastbourne, Durham, and Yate near Bristol.
Customers can check availability, view costs, and pay through the Charge Assist app or via contactless card payment with no subscription required.
Expansion Plans
In addition to upgrading its existing network, Aldi will install chargers at approximately 20 new stores each year as part of its ongoing expansion. These new installations will offer a mix of fast and rapid chargers, allowing customers to choose the option that best suits their journey.
Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “We’re committed to making sustainable choices more accessible for our customers, 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.”
Context from Energy Experts
Energy giant Octopus notes that public charging infrastructure is growing rapidly, with supermarkets becoming convenient hubs for EV drivers. In its advice, Octopus explains: “The logic is simple: you’re already stopping to pick up dinner, so why not top up your battery while you’re at it? The benefits are obvious: convenience, safety, and easy access in high-traffic areas. But there are some caveats to keep in mind. Not every supermarket has ultra-rapid chargers, some sites enforce time limits, and public charging often costs more per kWh than charging at home.”
Octopus further advises understanding charger types: slow chargers (around 7 kW) are ideal for longer shops; fast chargers (up to 22 kW) provide a quicker top-up; and rapid or ultra-rapid chargers (50 kW+) can replenish a battery in 20 to 40 minutes, perfect for shorter trips or longer journeys.
