Lidl has partnered with Pod Point to provide free rapid charging points at the company’s supermarkets while customers shop. The deal will see 40 new rapid chargers installed across the UK.
The triple-standard rapid chargers will be able to charge AC and DC, with Type 2, CCS, and CHAdeMO connectors available for use. The 53kW rated units will be able to charge EVs at the standard rapid rate, allowing a 0-80% charge in around 30 minutes.
The points will be operated by Pod Point, and can be used via the company’s Open Charge mobile app. This means users don’t need an RFID card or similar to access the points. The points will be free to use for customers, at least until further notice.
Chargers will have their own allocated and marked parking bays for use, with the charge points available to see on Zap-Map and Pod Point’s maps as and when they are rolled out.
Although there are no confirmed locations for forthcoming points, Pod Point will announce each new install on Twitter as the infrastructure expands in the coming months. The first location has already been installed and is up and running, located at Lidl in Malden, Essex.
Erik Fairbairn, CEO of POD Point, said: “While most electric vehicle charging happens where drivers live and work, we know that a fast, reliable public charging network is also a vital component – and a real shop window for EV.
“We’re excited to be working with Lidl to ensure its customers get a faster and better charging service. Our partnership with Lidl is also an important element in the wider roll-out of the Open Charge Network, and a significant step towards our target of putting a POD Point everywhere people park for an hour or more by 2020.”
Photo courtesy of Darren Smith, EV specialist at Glyn Hopkin.
