Supermarket Charging
A Comprehensive Guide to EV Charging While You Shop
Discover the advantages and challenges of charging your electric vehicle at supermarkets. Learn about pricing, technology, and the best practices to maximize your charging experience.
Electric vehicle owners often look for convenient charging solutions that fit seamlessly into their daily routines. One innovative option gaining traction is supermarket charging. Today, we’ll explore the landscape of EV charging at supermarkets, including its benefits, drawbacks, and how it fits into the broader context of EV infrastructure. This is also available as an episode on the EV Musings Youtube Channel
What is Supermarket Charging?
Supermarket charging refers to the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at supermarket locations. This concept has evolved as a response to the growing demand for EV infrastructure, allowing shoppers to charge their vehicles while they shop, making efficient use of their time.
The Evolution of Supermarket Charging
Historically, supermarkets have offered fuel services, often at competitive prices. However, the transition to EV charging only began to gain momentum in recent years. Initially, smaller charging units, like those provided by GeniePoint at Morrisons, were introduced but failed to gain traction due to poor hardware reliability and high prices.
Morrisons had agreements with Geniepoint for charging but at the start of 2024 MFG bought 337 Morrisons forecourts and 400 associated sites in order to use them for EV charging.
This £2.5Bn deal meant that Geniepoint were out and MFG were in. Interestingly MFG have done a multi-pronged strategy when it comes to replacing the chargers. In places where the grid power was low they’ve remove the old, ugly Geniepoint chargers and replaced them with smaller, sleeker low-power MFG units.
In places where the power is higher they’ve installed a standard MG EV hub with the canopy, distinctive blue and white canopy, tyre pumps and water hoses.
In contrast, major players like Sainsbury’s have invested heavily in charging infrastructure, deploying high-power chargers across their locations. As of now, Sainsbury’s operates over 81 charging hubs, providing fast and reliable charging options for customers.
Why Supermarkets Are Adopting EV Charging
Convenience for Customers: Shoppers can charge their EVs while they shop, optimizing their time.
Loyalty Programs: Some supermarkets offer loyalty points for charging, incentivising customers to use their facilities.
Competitive Pricing: Supermarkets often provide charging at lower rates compared to dedicated charging stations - especially for AC charging -, making it an attractive option.
Pros of Charging at Supermarkets
Time Efficiency: Since you are already at the supermarket, charging your vehicle while you shop minimizes downtime.
Cost-Effective Options: Prices can be lower than home charging rates, particularly with slower chargers. As an example an Aldi near my parents house in Yorkshire is offering 7kW charging at 25p/kWh. That’s much cheaper than I pay at home if I’m not on my off-peak tariff!
Loyalty Benefits: Supermarkets like Sainsbury’s offer loyalty points through their Nectar offering that can add value to your shopping experience.
Cons of Supermarket Charging
Variable Dwell Times: The effectiveness of charging depends on the amount of time you spend in the store. Short visits may not provide enough time for significant charging.
Potential for Abuse: Some users may leave their cars plugged in for extended periods, leading to overcrowding at charging stations. This was particularly rife when companies such as Pod (Formerly Podpoint) offered free charging at Tescos with their hardware.
High Costs for Fast Charging: While some supermarkets offer competitive rates, others can charge significantly more for faster charging options.
Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash
How to Maximize Your Supermarket Charging Experience
Step 1: Plan Your Visit
Know Your Charging Needs: Assess how much charge you require before your visit to determine if supermarket charging is sufficient.
Check Availability: Use apps like Zapmap to find available charging stations at your chosen supermarket.
Step 2: Utilize Loyalty Programs
Sign Up for Loyalty Programs: Make sure you’re enrolled in any loyalty programs that the supermarket offers to maximize your benefits while charging.
Step 3: Monitor Charging Costs
Compare Prices: Not all supermarkets charge the same rate. Use available resources to find the most cost-effective options in your area.
Conclusion
Supermarket charging is a growing trend that offers both convenience and cost savings for electric vehicle owners. By understanding the pros and cons and planning your visits accordingly, you can make the most of your charging experience while shopping. As EV infrastructure continues to evolve, the role of supermarkets in providing accessible charging solutions will likely expand, making it an essential component of the electric vehicle landscape.