Electric vehicle owners can charge their car for free at Kettering supermarket

Tesco shoppers can charge their electric vehicle for free.

Shoppers visiting a supermarket in Kettering can charge their electric vehicle for free after complimentary charging points were installed.

Volkswagen and Tesco have partnered to provide the largest retail electric vehicle charging network in the UK, with the Tesco Extra in Carina Road one store to benefit.

Owners of electric cars made by any manufacturer can use the 7kW charging points for free and drivers just need to download the Pod Point app, plug in the charger and confirm their charge.

It is part of a nationwide rollout which will see 2,400 charging points installed at up to 600 Tesco stores over three years - with all electricity used to charge cars generated from renewable sources.

Mark Barrow, group head of retail sales at Parkway Volkswagen Kettering, said: “Our partnership with Tesco and Pod Point is making electric car ownership even more attractive. Everyone loves a freebie and owners of any EV, whether it's a Volkswagen or not, can plug their car in and give it a charge.

“We’re delighted to be playing a role in boosting charging infrastructure.

“It is part of Volkswagen’s aim to improve EV ownership for all drivers and the initial response from motorists is really encouraging.”

Recent figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed registrations for EVs are up by 158 per cent this year.

It is estimated the average electric car owner will be able to get around 22.5 miles of free charge while plugging in for their weekly shop.

Erik Fairbairn, from Pod Point, said: “We’re really excited to be providing drivers in Kettering with more opportunities to charge while they shop.

“Working with Tesco and Volkswagen to roll out smart, easy-to-use charge points across the UK will help accelerate EV adoption.”

Jason Tarry, Tesco chief executive, added: “We’re now well on our way to achieving our ambition of installing more than 2,400 EV charging bays across 600 Tesco stores.

“Providing customers with charging points offers them a sustainable choice and giving them the opportunity to charge their car for free while they shop is a little help to make this easier.”