Supermarket giant Tesco has been branded 'disgusting' after some shoppers noticed a 28p charge being brought in. The charge affects certain drivers, and has gone down like a lead balloon with many.
As of today, drivers with electric cars will be charged for a service that was previously free. Anyone wanting to charge their electric car will now have to pay a minimum 28p charge.
The news comes as electricity prices in the UK continue to soar. Many shoppers with electric vehicles were using the free charging service as means of cutting down their electric bills.
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The big four supermarket teamed up with Volkswagen and EV charging station provider Pod Point, with plans to install around 2,400 charge points. The initial charge for 7kW connections was free but from today, they will pay 28p per kWh.
If motorists want to charge their car faster, that price rises to 40p for the 22kW, and 50p for the 50kW rapid chargers.
The news hasn't gone down well with some shoppers who have said they may "shop around" at other supermarkets because of the changes.
On Twitter, Connor Burgess said: "@Tesco absolutely disgusting that you (Tesco) are going to charge for electric car charging. I’m never shopping at Tesco again. I’m done!!!!!"
And on deal-saving site HotUKDeals, one shopper said: "I was using the free charging as an incentive to shop at Tesco, the only supermarket around my way to offer free charging. Now I'll spread my wings a bit and shop at other places too.
"Home charging is cheaper for me so won't be using the Tesco chargers from now even when I'm there. Was good whilst it lasted." In a statement, PodPoint said: “The new tariffs are some of the most competitive in the market and will enable us to continue investing in our network.
“It’s hoped that by making these changes customers will only top up when they need to, ensuring that they make way for others once their cars are charged.”
A Tesco spokesperson told Birmingham Live : “We've provided more than 86 million miles worth of free charging for customers to date, and our new great value tariffs will build on this with some of the most competitive rates in the market. These changes will improve access to chargers for all our customers, and enable continued investment in our charging network across the UK.”
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