Aldi has announced a major change affecting over 250 of its supermarket car parks, introducing electric vehicle (EV) charging points that cost 40p per kWh for fast charging and 62p per kWh for rapid charging. The German discount retailer, which operates branches in Birmingham and across the UK, has moved approximately 1,200 of its chargers to Drax Electric Vehicles, a provider of EV charging solutions.
Expansion Plans and Pricing Details
Aldi, competing with Lidl, Tesco, Morrisons, Iceland, Asda, and Marks & Spencer, has confirmed plans to install chargers at around 20 new stores each year. The move aims to make sustainable choices more accessible for shoppers, offering affordable and convenient charging options while they shop.
Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, stated: “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.”
Partnership with Drax Electric Vehicles
Adam Hall, Energy Services Director at Drax Electric Vehicles, commented: “Aldi’s expansion of EV charge points across its stores demonstrates how rapidly these amenities are becoming integral to the retail sector. Drax EVs is proud to have been chosen by Aldi to operate its charge point network and assist with the installation of further charging facilities.”
This expansion reinforces Aldi’s long-term commitment to sustainability and supports the UK’s transition to electric vehicles, aligning with the government’s target to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Hall added: “By acting now, Aldi is helping cut emissions and ensure its sites are well-equipped to service the needs of the growing community of EV drivers in the years to come.”
Impact on Shoppers and the Environment
The new charging network provides Aldi customers with a cost-effective way to charge their EVs, with fast charging at 40p per kWh and rapid charging at 62p per kWh. The initiative is expected to reduce emissions and support the increasing number of EV drivers in the UK.
