News that Tesco has brought in a fee for motorists charging their vehicles has caused outrage - with one driver saying they’d never shop there again. However, many also took to Twitter to ask why people with electric vehicles get that service when they have to pay for fuel.
This month, Tesco is asking motorists with electric cars to pay 28p to charge their vehicle for the first time - previously it was free. The supermarket works with Volkswagen and EV charging station provider Pod Point, to provide charge points for while people shop and in the end hopes to install 2,4000 at stores. The initial charge for 7kW connections was free, but from now they will pay 28p per kWh.
If motorists want to charge their car faster, that price rises to 40p for the 22kW, and 50p for the 50kW rapid chargers. One driver, Connor Burgess said: “@Tesco absolutely disgusting that you (Tesco) are going to charge for electric car charging. I’m never shopping at Tesco again. I’m done!!!!!”
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However some were less sympathetic, saying that if they can afford to buy and an expensive electric car, they should be able to pay for it and to be charged. May Blair said: “Who do you think is paying for free electric charging. Tesco NO It’s the people shopping at Tesco.”
Paula Morris added: “So Tesco customers furious no more free electric car charging? Why? They don’t give away free petrol and diesel!” Chuck McKinley said: “Aaahhh Tesco free electric car charging has ended and customers don’t like it - this is only the beginning for users. Road tax starts in 2025 and electricity is only going to get more expensive.”
But disagreeing with them was another person who added: “I was using the free charging as an incentive to shop at Tesco, the only supermarket around my way to offer free charging. Now I’ll spread my wings a bit and shop at other places too. Home charging is cheaper for me so won’t be using the Tesco chargers from now even when I’m there. Was good whilst it lasted.”
In a statement, PodPoint said: “The new tariffs are some of the most competitive in the market and will enable us to continue investing in our network. It’s hoped that by making these changes customers will only top up when they need to, ensuring that they make way for others once their cars are charged.”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “We’ve provided more than 86 million miles worth of free charging for customers to date, and our new great value tariffs will build on this with some of the most competitive rates in the market. These changes will improve access to chargers for all our customers, and enable continued investment in our charging network across the UK.”
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