Aldi has transitioned approximately 1,200 electric vehicle (EV) Drax chargers across more than 250 UK stores, expanding access to on-site charging for customers while they shop. The initiative includes upgrades at locations such as Diss, Eastbourne, Durham and Yate, alongside plans to install chargers at around 20 new stores each year, offering a mix of fast and rapid charging options.
Charging is priced at 40p per kWh for fast charging and 62p per kWh for rapid charging, with payment available through the Charge Assist app or via contactless card without a subscription. Customers can also check charger availability and costs before arriving at a store.
For shoppers, the expanded network makes it easier to combine grocery trips with vehicle charging, improving convenience and accessibility for EV owners. The rollout reflects a broader trend toward destination-based charging infrastructure as retailers increasingly integrate EV services into the customer experience while supporting wider electric vehicle adoption.
Image Credit: Drax chargers
What's Driving This Trend
- Destination Charging
- Retail parking lots are becoming practical energy stops where shoppers can recharge vehicles during routine errands, creating new value around dwell time and convenience.
- Contactless EV Payments
- Subscription-free card and app payment options reduce friction for occasional charging users and expand access beyond closed charging networks.
- Retail Energy Services
- Grocery chains and other high-traffic retailers are increasingly blending mobility, energy, and shopping experiences into location-based service ecosystems.
Who This Affects Most
- Grocery Retail
- Supermarkets gain differentiation by turning store visits into multi-purpose trips that combine food shopping with accessible vehicle charging.
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
- Public charging providers benefit from partnerships with destination retailers that offer predictable traffic, visible sites, and recurring customer demand.
- Clean Energy
- The expansion of store-based charging networks supports broader electrification by linking renewable energy services with everyday consumer routines.
