Supermarket EV charging has grown significantly, but the networks are far from equal. Tesco has the largest number of charge points, Sainsbury’s has the fastest chargers, Lidl offers competitive per-kWh pricing, and Asda has scaled back substantially. This guide compares each supermarket’s charging network on the factors that matter most: how many sites have chargers, what they cost, how fast they are, and how you start a session.
Key Takeaways
- Tesco is the largest supermarket charging network in the UK, with around 2,700 bays across 619 stores (via Pod Point).
- Sainsbury’s Smart Charge offers the fastest charging of any supermarket — 150kW ultra-rapid units at over 75 stores.
- Lidl offers the most competitive per-kWh pricing for app users, with AC points from around 40p/kWh.
- Asda’s charging network has contracted sharply and now covers fewer than 50 UK locations.
- Free supermarket charging is nearly extinct in 2026 — only a handful of Aldi and Sainsbury’s sites still offer any free provision.
Overview: How the Supermarkets Compare
| Supermarket | No. of charge points | Provider | Max speed | Cost (approx) | App needed? | Loyalty reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesco | ~2,700 bays, 619 stores | Pod Point | 75kW | 44-69p/kWh | Yes (Pod Point) | Clubcard points |
| Sainsbury’s | 650+ bays, 75+ stores | Smart Charge (Kempower) | 150kW | 49-72p/kWh | No (contactless) | Nectar points |
| Asda | ~46 sites | GeniePoint / evpoint | Up to rapid | 65-83p/kWh | Varies by network | None |
| Aldi | Selected stores | Shell Recharge / Pod Point | Up to rapid | 44-85p/kWh | Yes (Shell/Pod Point) | None |
| Lidl | ~35% of stores | Lidl Charge | Rapid DC | 40-62p/kWh | Yes (Lidl app) | None |
Prices correct at May 2026 — verify in the relevant app before starting a session.
Tesco: Biggest Network, Easy Points Collection
Tesco is the UK’s largest supermarket EV charging network by a significant margin. Pod Point operates approximately 2,700 charging bays across 619 Tesco stores — a combination of 7kW slow AC chargers and 75kW rapid DC chargers at selected larger sites.
Cost
- 7kW slow AC: 44p/kWh
- 75kW rapid DC: 69p/kWh
How to Use It
You need the Pod Point app to start a session. Scan the QR code on the unit or find the location in the app, tap to start, and plug in. Payment is taken from the card saved in your Pod Point account.
Loyalty Reward
Tesco Clubcard holders earn one point per £1 spent on charging. Link your Clubcard number to your Pod Point account to activate this.
Verdict
Best for: drivers who want the highest probability of finding a charger close to home or on a regular route, given the extensive coverage. The 75kW DC option at larger stores is useful for a meaningful range top-up during a shop.
Not ideal for: drivers wanting the fastest possible charge or the lowest per-kWh cost.
Sainsbury’s: Fastest Charging of Any Supermarket
Sainsbury’s Smart Charge launched as a premium network positioned above typical supermarket charging. All Smart Charge units are 150kW ultra-rapid chargers built with Kempower hardware, capable of charging most EVs from low to 80% in under 30 minutes. The network now covers over 75 Sainsbury’s stores with more than 650 bays.
Cost
- 150kW ultra-rapid DC: 72p/kWh
- 7-22kW AC (at sites that have them): 49p/kWh
How to Use It
No app required. Payment is by contactless debit or credit card — tap to pay on the unit screen, then plug in. Alternatively, an EV Charge Card works at Smart Charge units. The no-app approach is the most convenient of any supermarket network.
Loyalty Reward
Nectar cardholders earn one Nectar point per £1 spent on charging. Points are collected automatically if you pay with a linked Nectar card.
Energy Source
Sainsbury’s powers Smart Charge units with 100% renewable electricity.
Verdict
Best for: drivers who want the fastest supermarket charge and the simplest payment experience. The 150kW speed means a meaningful charge is possible during a standard shopping trip. The unit cost (72p/kWh) is higher than some competitors, but for speed and convenience it is the strongest supermarket option.
Lidl: Best Unit Cost for App Users
Lidl has rolled out charging at around 35% of its UK stores through its own Lidl Charge network. The network offers both AC and rapid DC charging, with pricing that is competitive for app users.
Cost
- AC slow charging: approximately 40p/kWh (app price)
- Rapid DC charging: approximately 62p/kWh (app price)
How to Use It
The Lidl Charge app is required. Register an account, link a payment method, and start sessions through the app.
Loyalty Reward
None currently.
Verdict
Best for: Lidl shoppers who are comfortable using the app and want the most competitive per-kWh rate among the major supermarket networks. The 40p/kWh AC rate is particularly strong value for a longer shop.
Aldi: Partial Coverage, Multiple Providers
Aldi provides EV charging at approximately 19% of its UK stores, using a combination of Shell Recharge and Pod Point chargers. The mixed provider situation means that pricing and payment methods vary depending on which type of charger is installed at your local store.
Cost
- Pod Point 7kW AC: approximately 44p/kWh
- Shell Recharge fast (22-50kW): approximately 59p/kWh
- Shell Recharge rapid (50-100kW): approximately 79p/kWh
- Shell Recharge ultra-rapid: approximately 85p/kWh
How to Use It
For Pod Point chargers: the Pod Point app or a contactless card (at newer units). For Shell Recharge chargers: the Shell Recharge app, RFID card, or contactless card. Payment is automated through the app once your session ends.
Loyalty Reward
None.
Verdict
Best for: Aldi shoppers who happen to find a Pod Point 7kW charger at their local store and want a reliable, low-cost slow charge during a shop. The Shell Recharge pricing at rapid speeds is not particularly competitive versus other networks.
Asda: Significantly Reduced Network
Asda’s EV charging position has weakened considerably. The network has contracted from around 165 charge points in 2023 to approximately 46 active locations in 2026 — fewer than 2% of Asda stores have charging.
Cost
- evpoint chargers: approximately 65p/kWh
- GeniePoint chargers: approximately 83p/kWh
How to Use It
There is no dedicated Asda charging app. The payment method depends on the charger provider — GeniePoint sessions use the GeniePoint app or RFID card; evpoint sessions use the evpoint app. Contactless may be available on some units.
Loyalty Reward
None.
Verdict
Not a network to plan around. The limited coverage and higher-than-average pricing make Asda a poor choice as a primary charging destination. If a working charger is available at your local Asda, it can be a convenient option, but do not drive out of your way for it.
Does Any Supermarket Still Offer Free EV Charging?
Almost none. The era of free supermarket EV charging has largely ended:
- Tesco: Ended free charging in November 2022 — all charging is now paid.
- Sainsbury’s: New Smart Charge network is fully paid. A very small number of older slow chargers at a handful of stores remain free — check Zap-Map locally.
- Asda: A handful of sites have free slow chargers but coverage is unreliable.
- Aldi: Some Pod Point 7kW units at specific stores remain free. Check Zap-Map before visiting.
- Lidl: All Lidl Charge units are paid.
Where free charging survives at supermarkets in 2026, it is limited to slow AC chargers (7kW) at a small number of locations. Do not plan a journey specifically to find free supermarket charging — check Zap-Map for live status first.
Which Supermarket Is Best for EV Charging?
The answer depends on what you prioritise:
- Best overall coverage: Tesco — 2,700 bays across 619 stores gives you the best chance of finding a charger near any route.
- Fastest charging: Sainsbury’s Smart Charge — 150kW ultra-rapid is the fastest of any supermarket network.
- Best price per kWh: Lidl — 40p/kWh AC and 62p/kWh rapid for app users beats all competitors.
- Easiest payment: Sainsbury’s — contactless card, no app needed.
- Best loyalty value: Tesco or Sainsbury’s — Clubcard or Nectar points add a small offset to charging cost.
For most EV drivers, supermarket charging works best as a supplementary option — a convenient top-up while you shop rather than a planned charging session. For a wider view of public charging costs including motorway, town centre and home charging, see our EV charging costs guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which supermarket has the most EV charging points in the UK? Tesco, with approximately 2,700 charging bays across 619 UK stores, operated by Pod Point. No other supermarket comes close on raw numbers.
Which supermarket EV charger is the fastest? Sainsbury’s Smart Charge, which uses 150kW ultra-rapid Kempower chargers at over 75 stores. These can charge most EVs from low to 80% in under 30 minutes — faster than any other supermarket network.
Do I need an app to charge at supermarkets? It depends on the supermarket. Sainsbury’s Smart Charge accepts contactless card payment with no app required. Tesco (Pod Point), Lidl, and Aldi’s Shell Recharge units all require an app. Contactless is increasingly available on newer units across all networks, but the app offers additional features including session monitoring.
Is supermarket EV charging free in 2026? Almost entirely no. Tesco ended free charging in 2022. Sainsbury’s, Lidl and most Asda sites charge for every session. A small number of Aldi Pod Point units at specific stores remain free — check Zap-Map for the most current information at your local site.
Can I earn loyalty points on EV charging at supermarkets? Tesco offers Clubcard points (one point per £1) when you link your Clubcard to your Pod Point account. Sainsbury’s offers Nectar points at the same rate when you pay with a linked Nectar card. Asda, Aldi and Lidl do not currently offer loyalty rewards on EV charging.