Tesco EV charging cost
Quick answer
7kW chargers
44p per kWh
Rapid chargers (75kW)
69p per kWh
How to pay
Pod Point app
Pod Point runs every charger at Tesco, with around 2,700 charging bays across 619 stores. Charging hasn't been free since November 2022. You pay per kWh through the Pod Point app, and you can't use a contactless card at the charger.
How to charge at Tesco
- Download the Pod Point app and add a payment card.
- Link your Clubcard in the app if you want points on your charging.
- At the charger, choose the bay in the app, plug in and start the session. Stop it in the app when you're done, and your card is charged for the energy used.
- Check the store's car park time limit. Some Tesco car parks have maximum stays, and parking without shopping can break the car park's terms.
How Tesco compares
| Network | Run by | Rapid, per kWh | Slower chargers, per kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesco | Pod Point | 69p | 44p (7kW) |
| Aldi | Drax | 62p | 40p (up to 22kW) |
| Lidl | Lidl | 59p with Lidl Plus, 74p without | – |
| Asda | GeniePoint | 59p to 79p | – |
| Sainsbury's | Smart Charge | 75p | – |
| Tesla Supercharger | Tesla | 35p to 60p (non-members) | – |
| Shell Recharge | Shell | 64p to 79p (app), 74p to 89p (contactless) | 54p to 79p |
Asda and Sainsbury's prices as reported by Uswitch. For comparison, charging at home costs 26.32p per kWh on the price cap, or 6.5p to 9.5p on an overnight EV tariff.
Common questions
Is Tesco EV charging free?
No. Tesco ended free charging on 1 November 2022. Charging now costs 44p per kWh on 7kW chargers and 69p per kWh on rapid chargers.
Can I pay by contactless at Tesco chargers?
No. You start and pay for a session in the Pod Point app, which charges the card saved in your account.
Do I get Clubcard points for charging at Tesco?
Yes, if you link your Clubcard to your Pod Point account. You earn one point for every £1 spent on charging.
Is Tesco cheaper than charging at home?
No. Even the 44p rate is well above the 26.32p price cap rate for home electricity, and over five times a cheap overnight EV tariff. Tesco is handy for a top-up while you shop, not as your main way to charge.
Sources
Tesco prices, charger numbers, payment and Clubcard details as reported by BestChargers (updated 20 October 2026). Motormaths is not affiliated with Tesco or Pod Point. Prices can change, so check the charger or app before you plug in.