Tesco shoppers outraged after supermarket now charges drivers for service that was previously free
ELECTRIC CAR drivers wanting to charge their electric car while shopping at Tesco now need to pay for the service.
The change comes after the recent electricity price increases across the UK.
Electric car drivers haven’t taken the news well and have taken to the internet to vent their frustration.
One Twitter user posted: “Absolutely disgusting that you (Tesco) are going to charge for electric car charging. I’m never shopping at Tesco again. I’m done!”
The supermarket has been providing free charging for electric cars since 2018 and had been the largest provider of free power to electric cars in the UK.
According to Tesco, it has more than 550 charging points across its UK stores.
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Tesco claims it has provided enough electricity to EV drivers so far for them to travel 86million miles.
From now on, those who want to charge their car while they shop must pay at least 28p per kilowatt hour (kWh), rising to 40p and 50p for the more powerful and faster chargers.
A spokesperson from Tesco’s supermarket said: “These changes will improve access to chargers for all our customers, and enable continued investment in our charging network across the UK.”
“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.”
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Some electric car drivers now claim they are not going to charge their cars at Tesco because it is cheaper to do it at home.
A shopper, on the deal-saving site HotUKDeals, 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.”
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