In 2026, only a small number of Aldi, Asda and Sainsbury’s stores still offer free EV charging, and even then it’s usually limited to slower chargers. For the vast majority of supermarket locations, EV charging now costs between 40p and 85p per kWh, depending on the charging speed, provider and time of day.
Supermarket EV Charging Costs 2026
| Store | Free EV charging? | Where is my nearest store? | How much to charge? | Charger Provider |
| Aldi | Yes | Aldi store locator | 25p–85p per kWh (varies by provider) | Podpoint, GeniePoint, Shell, RFID card and BP Pulse |
| Asda | Yes | Asda store locator | ~65p–83p per kWh | Zap-Pay, GeniePoint, Swarco E.Connect, RFID card and BP Pulse |
| Co-op | No | Co-op store locator | ~50p+ per kWh | Mer App, Plug-N-Go, BP Pulse, Fuuse App, Podpoint |
| Iceland | No | Iceland store locator | ~40p+ per kWh | RFID |
| Lidl | No | Lidl store locator | ~40p–74p per kWh (cheaper via Lidl Plus app) | PodPoint, Easygo.ie, Lidl Plus App |
| Morrisons | No | Morrisons store locator | ~65p+ per kWh | GeniePoint, Zap-Pay, RFID card |
| Sainsbury’s | Yes | Sainsbury’s store locator | ~49p–75p per kWh (ultra-rapid ~75p) | Smart Charge network with contactless payment / Nectar benefits |
| Tesco | No | Tesco store locator | ~44p–69p per kWh | PodPoint, Zap-Pay, ApplePay, Android Pay or Osprey app |
| Waitrose | No | Waitrose store locator | ~66p+ per kWh | BP Pulse, Zap-Pay, Shell; varies by store |
Why Supermarkets Have Moved Away From Free EV Charging
Most supermarkets originally introduced EV charging as a customer perk rather than a profit centre. As EV adoption has accelerated, that model has become increasingly difficult to sustain.
Key reasons free charging is being phased out include:
- Electricity price volatility since 2022
- Higher utilisation, meaning chargers are rarely idle
- Maintenance and upgrade costs, especially for rapid units
- Abuse of free chargers, with vehicles left plugged in all day
As a result, supermarkets have increasingly partnered with commercial charging networks such as Pod Point, BP Pulse and GeniePoint, shifting costs directly to the user.
Is Supermarket EV Charging Still Good Value?
That depends on how you use it.
Supermarket EV charging can still make sense if:
- You’re topping up while shopping anyway
- You need a quick boost rather than a full charge
- You’re using a slower, cheaper charger
However, at 65p–85p per kWh, ultra-rapid supermarket chargers can cost 3–4× more than home charging on a good EV tariff. For regular charging, home or workplace charging is almost always cheaper.
Off-Peak vs Peak Pricing Explained
When supermarkets list prices as “from” a certain rate, this usually refers to off-peak charging.
- Off-peak: Typically overnight or mid-day; lowest demand
- Peak: Mornings and early evenings; higher demand and prices
Exact times vary by network and location, so prices shown in apps like Zap-Map or Pod Point may change throughout the day. Always check the tariff before plugging in.
Are Supermarket EV Chargers Reliable?
Reliability has improved significantly, but it still varies by provider.
Generally:
- Newer sites (Sainsbury’s Smart Charge, large Asda stores) are more reliable
- Older Pod Point units can be slower or occasionally out of service
- High-traffic locations may have queues at peak times
Using apps such as Zap-Map lets you see:
- Live availability
- Reported faults
- Charging speed and pricing
Can You Get Fined For Charging Your EV Too Long?
Yes and this is becoming more common. Many supermarket chargers now enforce:
- Time limits (typically 60–90 minutes)
- Overstay fees once charging is complete
These rules are designed to prevent bay blocking and keep chargers available for other drivers. Always check signage or app notifications to avoid unexpected penalties.
Key Takeaways
1. Truly free EV charging at supermarkets is extremely limited
Most supermarket EV chargers across the UK now charge per kWh. While Aldi, Asda, and Sainsbury’s might still have isolated free chargers, these are generally slow (7–22 kW) and often come with time limits (e.g., 90 minutes) or are only free as an incentive to shop there.
2. Charging prices vary widely by provider and network
Typical public supermarket charging is in line with wider UK PAYG public charging costs — generally 40p to 85p per kWh, depending on speed and network. Ultra-rapid units at larger stores (e.g., Sainsbury’s Smart Charge) tend to be at the higher end (~75p+ / kWh).
3. Apps and payment methods affect cost
At several supermarkets (notably Lidl and Tesco), using the supermarket’s own app or specific networks (Lidl Plus app, Zap-Pay, etc.) can reduce costs compared with pay-as-you-go contactless payments.
4. Free charging isn’t guaranteed — check before you go
Even where free charging used to exist, most chains have now transitioned to paid models due to electricity and maintenance costs. Free or complimentary offers are now exceptions rather than the norm.
FAQs About Supermarket EV Charging
1. How long does it take to charge an EV at a supermarket?
The time it takes to charge depends on the type of charger and your vehicle’s battery size. Many supermarkets offer a mix of fast and standard chargers. Fast chargers (50kW+) can provide a significant charge in 30-60 minutes, while slower chargers (7kW or 22kW) might take several hours. Check with the store or charging provider to confirm charger speeds.
2. Are supermarket EV charging points always available?
Availability varies by location and demand. While many supermarkets offer multiple charging points, peak times or popular locations may have limited availability. It’s a good idea to check charging apps like Zap-Map or PodPoint in advance to see if chargers are in use or available at your nearest supermarket.
3. Which supermarket has the fastest EV chargers?
Supermarkets like Asda, Morrisons, and Aldi offer access to fast chargers, with speeds up to 100kW in some locations. For example, GeniePoint and BP Pulse provide fast charging options at many stores. Check individual supermarket locations to see which charging speeds are offered.
4. Is it free to charge at all supermarkets?
Not all supermarkets offer free charging. While Sainsbury’s and some Aldi and Asda locations provide free EV charging, most others charge per kWh. Prices can vary, with some starting as low as 21p per kWh and others reaching up to 75p per kWh, depending on the location and charging provider.
5. Do I need an app to charge my car at supermarkets?
Yes, most supermarkets require you to use an app or RFID card to access their charging stations. For instance, PodPoint, Zap-Pay, GeniePoint, and BP Pulse are commonly used networks at UK supermarkets. You’ll need to download the app, create an account, and link a payment method before using the charger.
6. Can I leave my car plugged in while shopping?
Yes, the idea behind supermarket charging is that you can charge your vehicle while you shop. However, be mindful of the time limits set by the store or charging provider. Some locations may impose penalties for leaving your vehicle plugged in longer than necessary, especially during peak hours.
7. What happens if the charging point is broken or unavailable?
If a charging point is broken or unavailable, check for other chargers at nearby supermarkets or use apps like Zap-Map to find alternative locations. Most supermarkets partner with established charging networks, which means you can report issues directly through the app or provider’s customer service.
8. Can I reserve a charging spot in advance?
In most cases, supermarket EV chargers operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not available. However, checking apps like PodPoint or Zap-Map can help you see real-time availability before heading to the store.
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
