Lidl has just announced its commitment to install rapid electric vehicle chargers at all of its new UK stores, helping to give drivers easier access to charging points. Adding to the new store quota, Lidl is set to open over 50 new stores across England, Scotland and Wales by the end of the year.
The move will result in the installation of rapid charging points at over 300 Lidl stores over the next three years. This includes existing Lidl stores that are able to accommodate the chargers in their car parks and represents a total investment of over £25m.
Ingo Fischer, Chief Development Officer for Lidl GB, commented, “At Lidl, we are committed to tackling the environmental concerns that our customers care most about, whilst giving them access to solutions that will support them in their ambition to lead more sustainable lives.
'Not only will our customers be able to charge their electric cars in 50 mins – less time than it takes to do a big shop – they will be able to do it for the best price on the market. It is our hope that, through this significant investment, we will enable easier access to charging points, ultimately helping more households switch to electric vehicles.”
Lidl’s commitment supports the Government’s plans to deliver a significant increase in quality infrastructure to support ultra-low emission vehicles around the country.
The points, which can charge vehicles from 0-80% charge in around 50 mins, will be operated by Pod Point and can be used via the company’s Open Charge mobile app. Chargers will have their own allocated and marked parking bays for use, and stores with charge points can be viewed via the Lidl app or on Zap-Map and Pod Point’s maps, as and when they are rolled out.