Aldi has partnered with Drax to operate its expanded EV charging network, transitioning all 1,200 chargers to the new operator while installing additional charging points across the UK.
The discount supermarket chain refreshed its charging infrastructure as part of plans to accelerate its public charging rollout.
More than 30 stores received new charging facilities under the Drax contract, including locations in Diss, Norfolk, Eastbourne, Durham and Yate near Bristol.
Aldi operates charging points at 250 locations nationwide – making it one of the first supermarket chains to offer public EV charging at its stores.
Expansion Plans
The retailer committed to installing chargers at 20 new stores annually as part of its ongoing expansion strategy.
All newly constructed Aldi stores will feature standardized charging setups. Each site gets two AC fast chargers supporting four bays up to 22kW, plus up to two DC rapid chargers supporting four bays up to 160kW.
The charging network operates without subscription requirements. Pricing remains competitive at 40p per kWh for fast charging and 62p per kWh for rapid charging.
Aldi’s Charge Assist app lets drivers check charger locations, costs and real-time availability before arriving at stores.
“We’re committed to making sustainable choices more accessible for our customers, and we know many are looking for affordable, reliable and convenient ways to charge their cars,” said Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK. “By expanding EV charging at more of our stores, we’re helping to make that easier – and offering great-value charging while they shop.”
Adam Hall, energy services director at Drax Electric Vehicles, emphasized the retail sector’s rapid adoption of charging infrastructure.
“Aldi’s expansion of EV charge points across its stores demonstrates how rapidly these amenities are becoming integral to the retail sector. By acting now, Aldi is helping cut emissions and ensure its sites are well-equipped to service the needs of the growing community of EV drivers in the years to come.”
The partnership reflects growing demand for convenient charging options as EV adoption accelerates across the UK market.
