Volkswagen and Tesco have collaborated to roll out free EV charging stations at over 100 stores.

Last year, the German car giant and supermarket chain announced a new partnership with Pod Point to install around 2,400 charging points for shoppers to access for free.

With the rollout under way, over 100 Tesco stores now have the chargers available to use — said to offer EV owners more than 1,000 miles of free driving.

According to Volkswagen, around 50 minutes of charging at the 7kW points will provide around 22.5 miles of range to the average electric vehicle. Over the course of the year, this adds up to approximately 1,170 miles in total.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK & ROI chief executive, said: “We’re now well on our way to achieving our ambition of installing more than 2,400 EV charging bays across 600 Tesco stores.

“Providing customers with charging points offers them a sustainable choice and giving them the opportunity to charge their car for free while they shop is another little help to make their lives easier.”

Erik Fairbairn, founder and chief executive of Pod Point, said: "With the rollout now under way, we are witnessing a pivotal moment for the UK’s rapidly expanding public charging network.

“Providing smart, easy-to-use chargepoints at this scale is likely to accelerate the transition to electric cars up and down the country. Being able to top up while you shop at so many locations makes it more convenient to go electric than ever before."