Tesco is the UK’s largest supermarket EV charging network, with 2,700 charging bays across 619 stores. All Tesco chargers are operated by Pod Point. You start a session through the Pod Point app, pay per kilowatt-hour, and collect Tesco Clubcard points on everything you spend. Charging is no longer free — Tesco ended its free EV charging programme in November 2022.
Key Takeaways
- Tesco has around 2,700 EV charging bays at 619 UK stores, all operated by Pod Point.
- Charging costs 44p/kWh on 7kW slow chargers and 69p/kWh on 75kW rapid chargers (May 2026).
- You need the Pod Point app to start a session — there is no RFID card option at Tesco chargers.
- Tesco Clubcard holders earn one point for every £1 spent on charging.
- Free EV charging at Tesco ended in November 2022.
How Tesco EV Charging Works
Tesco chargers are installed and managed by Pod Point. To use one, you need the Pod Point app installed on your smartphone with a payment method linked to your account.
The process at a Tesco charger is straightforward:
- Open the Pod Point app and find the charger (you can scan the QR code on the unit or search by location).
- Select the charging point and start the session through the app.
- Plug the cable into your vehicle.
- Charging begins and the app tracks your session in real time.
- Stop the session through the app when you are ready, then unplug.
Payment is taken automatically via the card saved in your Pod Point account. You cannot currently pay by contactless card directly at Tesco Pod Point units — the app is required. If you do not have a smartphone, this is a practical limitation worth noting before you drive to Tesco expecting to charge.
Linking Your Clubcard
To collect Clubcard points on EV charging, link your Tesco Clubcard number to your Pod Point account. Once linked, you earn one Clubcard point for every £1 spent. Points accumulate in your Clubcard account and can be used in the normal way — for money off a Tesco shop or with partner retailers.
How Much Does Tesco EV Charging Cost?
Tesco offers two tiers of charging speed, each with a different price per kilowatt-hour.
| Charger type | Power output | Price per kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Slow AC charger | 7kW | 44p |
| Rapid DC charger | 75kW | 69p |
Prices correct at May 2026. Verify current rates in the Pod Point app before starting a session.
How Much Will a Typical Session Cost?
At 44p/kWh on a 7kW charger, a one-hour session adds roughly 7kWh — enough for around 25-30 miles in a typical EV — and costs approximately £3.08.
At 69p/kWh on a 75kW rapid charger, a 30-minute session adds around 35-40kWh — enough for roughly 120-140 miles — and costs approximately £24-28 depending on the vehicle’s actual charge acceptance.
Rapid charging at Tesco is therefore useful for adding significant range in a short time, but the per-kWh cost is meaningfully higher than a well-priced overnight home tariff. If you are on Intelligent Octopus Go at 8p/kWh, for example, the same 35kWh of energy would cost £2.80 at home versus around £24 at Tesco’s rapid charger.
Tesco charging is best treated as a convenience top-up while shopping rather than a primary charging strategy. For a fuller comparison of what different charging networks cost, see our EV charging costs guide.
Where Are Tesco EV Chargers Located?
Tesco chargers are installed in car parks at large Tesco Extra and Tesco Superstores across the UK. Smaller Tesco Express sites typically do not have chargers, so it is worth checking before visiting.
The quickest way to find your nearest Tesco charger is through:
- The Pod Point app — shows a live map of all Pod Point network chargers, including Tesco, with real-time availability
- Zap-Map — a third-party app that aggregates all UK charging networks; filter by Pod Point to find Tesco sites
- The Tesco store locator on the Tesco website — some store pages indicate whether EV charging is available in the car park
Availability varies by time of day. Tesco car parks tend to be busiest at weekends and during evening peak shopping hours, so chargers can be occupied. The Pod Point app shows live status so you can check before arriving.
What Charging Speeds Are Available?
Most Tesco stores have a combination of 7kW slow AC chargers and, at larger stores, 75kW rapid DC chargers. The slower 7kW units are useful for a full shop: an hour-long visit adds roughly 25-30 miles of range. The 75kW rapid units are better suited to a shorter stop when you need a significant range boost quickly.
Pod Point has been upgrading Tesco sites to include 75kW chargers as part of its ongoing rollout. Coverage of the rapid units is not universal across all 619 stores — check the Pod Point app for the specific charger types at your local Tesco.
Cable Types
Pod Point chargers at Tesco are typically untethered — the charging cables are not attached to the unit. You need to bring your own Type 2 AC cable for the slow chargers, or your own CCS cable for the DC rapid chargers. Most modern EVs sold in the UK come with a Type 2 cable as standard; CCS cables are less commonly included.
Does Tesco Offer Free EV Charging?
No. Tesco stopped offering free EV charging at all of its stores on 1 November 2022. Prior to that date, the network had been free to use since 2019. Tesco and Pod Point introduced the per-kWh pricing structure across the entire network from that point onwards.
There are no plans to reintroduce free charging. Clubcard points provide a small offset — at one point per £1, a £20 charging session earns 20 Clubcard points, worth approximately 20p to spend in-store. This is a modest benefit rather than a meaningful cost reduction.
Is Tesco the Best Supermarket for EV Charging?
For sheer coverage, yes. With 2,700 bays at 619 stores, Tesco has more EV charging infrastructure than any other UK supermarket. If you want the highest probability of finding a charger close to home or on a familiar route, Tesco’s network is the most extensive option.
For speed, Sainsbury’s Smart Charge network offers 150kW ultra-rapid charging at over 75 stores — faster than Tesco’s 75kW rapid offering. Sainsbury’s units also accept contactless card payment without any app requirement. Lidl’s network offers competitive per-kWh pricing for app users.
The right choice depends on your priorities: Tesco wins on availability; Sainsbury’s wins on charging speed; Lidl tends to offer the best unit cost for app users. For a full comparison, see our supermarket EV charging guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an app to use Tesco EV charging? Yes. Tesco EV chargers are operated by Pod Point and require the Pod Point app to start a session. You set up an account, link a payment card, and initiate charging through the app. There is no contactless card payment option directly at Tesco Pod Point units.
How do I get Clubcard points from EV charging at Tesco? Link your Tesco Clubcard number to your Pod Point account. Once linked, you automatically earn one Clubcard point for every £1 spent on charging at any Tesco Pod Point unit.
Are all Tesco stores equipped with EV chargers? No. Chargers are installed primarily at larger Tesco Extra and Superstore sites. Smaller Tesco Express and some metro stores do not have EV charging. Use the Pod Point app or Zap-Map to check whether your nearest Tesco has chargers before visiting.
Can I charge at Tesco without shopping there? Yes. There is no requirement to make a purchase to use the EV chargers. However, Tesco car parks have time restrictions at some stores, and parking without shopping may result in a penalty charge if the store’s parking terms are breached. Check the signage at your specific store.
How fast is charging at Tesco? Tesco offers 7kW slow AC charging (adds roughly 25-30 miles per hour) and 75kW rapid DC charging at selected stores (adds roughly 120-140 miles in 30 minutes). The Pod Point app shows which charger types are available at each location.
Useful Resources
Pod Point — Tesco EV Charging Rollout