Aldi has announced a new partner for its on-site EV charging, along with plans to expand its public charging network.
The discount supermarket chain has transitioned its 1,200 EV chargers to new operator Drax as part of a drive to refresh its offering.
It has also installed new chargers at many locations, with further expansion planned.
Aldi was among the first supermarket operators to offer public EV charging at its stores. It currently has devices at 250 locations around the UK, offering a mix of charging speeds.
As part of the new contract with Drax, new charging facilities have been installed at more than 30 stores across the UK, including Aldi’s Diss store in Norfolk, alongside locations in Eastbourne, Durham and Yate near Bristol.
Aldi has also committed to installing chargers at 20 new stores each year as part of its ongoing expansion plans.
All newly built Aldi stores will offer a mix of fast and rapid chargers, with two AC fast chargers supporting four bays up to 22kW and up to two DC rapid chargers supporting four bays up to 160kW at each site.
Prices at Aldi’s chargers, which can be used without a subscription, are a competitive 40p per kWh for fast charging and 62p per kWh for rapid charging. Aldi’s Charge Assist app also allows drivers to check charger locations, costs and real-time availability.
Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: “We’re committed to making sustainable choices more accessible for our customers, 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.”
Adam Hall, energy services director at Drax Electric Vehicles, added: “Aldi’s expansion of EV charge points across its stores demonstrates how rapidly these amenities are becoming integral to the retail sector. 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.”
