Supermarkets with EV charging in the UK - Your complete guide

As an EV driver, you know every minute counts. So why not make the most of your grocery trips by topping up your car while you shop? Supermarkets across the UK are increasingly offering EV charging points, letting you combine errands with a quick energy boost for your vehicle. In this guide, we’ll take you through the major chains - Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Morrisons, ASDA, and Costco - including costs, speeds, free vs paid charging, loyalty schemes, and how to find a charger near you.

By the end, you’ll know where to charge, how much it’ll cost, and how to make your supermarket stop a truly productive one.

Let’s get plugged in…

Why supermarkets are becoming key EV-charging destinations

Public charging infrastructure is growing rapidly, and supermarkets have become convenient hubs for EV drivers. The logic is simple: you’re already stopping to pick up dinner, so why not top up your battery while you’re at it?

The benefits are obvious: convenience, safety, and easy access in high-traffic areas. But there are some caveats to keep in mind. Not every supermarket has ultra-rapid chargers, some sites enforce time limits, and public charging often costs more per kWh than charging at home.

How to choose the right charger for your trip

Understanding the types of chargers is essential before heading out. Slow chargers (around 7 kW) are ideal if you’re doing a longer shop or spending time in-store. Fast chargers (up to 22 kW) provide a quicker top-up, usually enough for a few hours of driving. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers (50 kW+) can replenish your battery in 20 - 40 minutes, perfect for shorter trips or longer journeys.

When choosing a supermarket for charging, you should check:

• The type of connector your car uses (CCS2, CHAdeMO, or Type 2)

• Charging cost - free vs paid, and whether any membership is required

• Store opening hours and parking restrictions

Apps like Electroverse are invaluable for finding “EV charging near me.” You can filter by charger type, speed, and availability, making it much easier to plan your shopping trips around charging.

Supermarket by supermarket breakdown for EV charging

Sainsbury’s EV Charging

Sainsbury’s has taken supermarket charging to the next level with its Smart Charge ultra-rapid network, providing up to 150 kW of power for a fast top-up while you shop. Chargers are contactless, easy to use, and increasingly available across larger stores in the UK. While some 7 kW free charging spots remain, most locations now operate pay-to-use charging.

Quick facts:

• Cost: Up to ~72p/kWh for ultra-rapid

• Free charging: Limited 7 kW spots only

• Connector/Speed: CCS2, 150 kW ultra-rapid

• Near-me tip: Use Sainsbury’s store locator and filter “EV charging”. You can also type in ‘Sainsbury’s Smart Charge’ into your Electroverse app and see all your nearby locations!

Loyalty: Earn Nectar points - 1 point per £1 spent on charging

Tesco EV Charging

Tesco has partnered with Pod Point and other networks to provide charging at many of its UK stores. While pay-to-use is now the norm, Tesco’s widespread network means you can usually find a charger during a quick shop.

Key points:

• Cost: Typically 44 - 69p/kWh depending on site

• Free charging: Rare

• Connector/Speed: Fast / Rapid (CCS2, Type 2)

• Near-me tip: Use Electroverse to locate EV chargers located at Tesco stores

Loyalty: Clubcard points may apply at some locations

Lidl EV Charging

Lidl has been rolling out rapid chargers at selected stores, allowing EV drivers to quickly top up while shopping. Free 7 kW chargers are extremely limited, so it’s worth checking before heading out.

At a glance:

• Cost: ~40 - 74p/kWh

• Free charging: Very limited 7 kW availability

• Connector/Speed: Rapid (50 kW)Near-me tip: Check the Lidl store directory or Octopus Electroverse for exact locations

Aldi EV Charging

Aldi has expanded its EV charging network significantly, partnering with multiple providers to install both fast and slow chargers. While some free 7 kW spots are available, the majority of chargers are pay-to-use.

Quick facts:

• Cost: Varies by store; check location-specific details

• Free charging: Some limited 7 kW chargers

• Connector/Speed: 7–22 kW, Type 2

Near-me tip: Electroverse filters make it easy to see which Aldi stores have EV charging

Morrisons EV Charging

Morrisons has rolled out rapid chargers via GeniePoint at many locations, including high-profile stores like Cribbs Causeway. Larger stores are more likely to feature high-power chargers, giving a quicker top-up while shopping.

At a glance:

• Cost: Varies by location

• Free charging: Rare

• Connector/Speed: Rapid (up to 50 kW in many stores)

Near-me tip: Larger superstores are more likely to have ultra-rapid points

ASDA EV Charging

ASDA’s charging rollout is slower than some competitors, with fewer locations overall. Chargers are typically fast but not ultra-rapid, and pay-to-use is the standard.

Key points:

• Cost: ~59 - 79p/kWh

• Free charging: Limited or none

• Connector/Speed: Fast (22 kW)

Near-me tip: Look for store car park signage or check Electroverse before visiting

Costco EV Charging

Costco offers 7 kW chargers at some UK stores, primarily free for members. These slower chargers are suitable for top-ups while shopping, but may have parking time restrictions.

Quick facts:

• Cost: Free for members

• Connector/Speed: Slow (7 kW)

• Near-me tip: Check Costco store locator and remember membership is required

Notes: Parking time limits may apply; always check signage

The Reality of Free vs Paid Charging

While many supermarkets once offered free EV charging, truly free points are now rare—only about 2% of UK supermarket chargers are free. Most locations now charge for fast or rapid charging, reflecting the higher costs of installing and maintaining these points.

Even with paid charging, supermarkets remain useful for topping up while shopping, especially if you combine your errands efficiently. For a full charge, dedicated rapid networks or home charging remain more cost-effective.

Finding “EV Charging Near Me” at Supermarkets

To locate the nearest EV charger at a supermarket, apps like Zap-Map or PlugShare are essential. Use store locators with “EV charging” filters or Google search for “supermarket EV charging near me.” Always check connector types, store opening hours, and parking limits, as many supermarkets enforce rules to ensure chargers are available for shoppers.

Quick checklist for your trip:

• Check plug type & connector compatibility

• Verify charger speed vs your time constraints

• Confirm cost / free availability

• Review parking rules and shopping time

Tips for Charging While Shopping

To make the most of supermarket EV charging:

• Arrive early to avoid busy bays

• Choose stores with high-power chargers if you need a fast top-up

• Combine your shopping and charging to save time

• Move your car after it’s fully charged to avoid fees or blocking others

Supermarkets are now a practical “top-up” solution for EV drivers, combining convenience with shopping. Costs, speeds, and availability vary, so planning ahead is essential. Use apps and store locators, check your car’s connector type, and pick the supermarket that fits your charging needs.

Explore your nearest charging points with Electroverse and share your favourite supermarket charging experiences in the comments! Check out some of our handy guides to get the most out of your EV!

• UK EV charge point map - Find public chargers near you

• EV Charging Card UK Guide: Why Electroverse Is the Best

• ICE-ing, overstay fees & EV parking rules: what you need to know

• How to find EV chargers near you (The easy way)

• How to use the Electroverse map?

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