The number of EV chargepoints at supermarkets has increased by a third over the past 18 months, with one in 20 public plugs to be found at stores, according to fresh research.
Analysis from the RAC and Zapmap puts the number of sockets added between January 2024 and June this year at 1,001 across 260 supermarket locations, as retailers seek to improve their eco credentials while also optimising shoppers long dwell times at these locations.
Of the new installs, over half (596) comprised ultra-rapid (150kW+) plugs, while a total of 1,876 supermarkets now offer recharging facilities of one type or another. Figures from major supermarket brands’ websites put the number of stores with parking at 13,407 according to the RAC, meaning 14% of suitable locations now offer charging facilities.
The report puts Aldi at the top of the growth tables, with the German chain adding 393 charging facilities from 2023 to June 2025. Tesco has the most sockets overall, with 533 locations hosting 1,409 points, while Morrisons stores are most likely to have chargers of one kind or another, with 67% offering this facility. Lidl is next, with 35% of stores catering for EV drivers.
The RAC’s head of policy Simon Williams says it is “extremely encouraging” to see plug numbers growing at supermarkets, but adds that “we now need to see every retail chain doing what it can to maintain momentum by increasing the number of stores that offer EV charging”.
Zapmap’s founder and chief operating officer Melanie Shufflebotham comments: “We’ve long been advocates of charging when you can rather than when you need to, and these locations, especially those providing high-powered charging, offer just that.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson says: “It’s brilliant to see supermarkets stepping up too so drivers can top up while they shop. It’s all about making EVs part of everyday life and showing just how easy the switch can be.”
BMW, Hyundai and Mini drivers get easier charging at Sainsbury’s
In separate supermarket charging news, Sainsbury’s is partnering with Digital Charging Solutions (DCS) to make charging at its Smart Charge brand of ultra-rapid sockets more straighforward.
Smart Charge customers can now use tap and go radio frequency identification (RFID) cards or a smartphone app using DCS’ system (these include BMW Charging, Mini Charging and Charge myHyundai) to easily charge their cars at Sainsbury’s stores with EV facilities. Customers will get 250 bonus Nectar points until October 12 2025 when using DCS systems or cards to charge at a Smart Charge point.
