Pod Point
Budget-conscious drivers who can top up while shopping
Speeds: Slow (3-7kW), Fast (7-22kW), Rapid (50kW)
Coverage: Nationwide — Tesco, Lidl, workplaces, residential
Overview
Pod Point is one of the UK's largest charging networks with over 8,245 chargepoints. The big draw is that many of these chargers are completely free to use, particularly those at Tesco and Lidl supermarkets. While you shop, your car charges — it is genuinely free electricity. The free chargers are typically slow (7kW), so you will get 20-30 miles of range in an hour of shopping. For drivers with regular supermarket trips, this can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for paid public charging. Pod Point also has paid rapid chargers and destination chargers at hotels, car parks, and workplaces. They were acquired by EDF Energy and continue to expand, particularly with new rapid hubs.
Pros
Many chargers are completely free (Tesco, Lidl)
Large network with 8,245 chargers nationwide
Simple app to find and start free sessions
Contactless at paid chargers
Great for destination charging while shopping
Cons
Free chargers are usually slow (7kW)
Can have long waits at popular free locations
No RFID card option
Limited rapid charging availability
No subscription discounts
Best For
Budget-conscious drivers who can top up while shopping. Rated 4.2/5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Pod Point chargers at Tesco stores are free to use. You just need the Pod Point app to start a session. There is no time limit, but charging speed is typically 7kW.
Yes. Many Lidl stores have free Pod Point chargers. Like Tesco, these are typically 7kW slow chargers perfect for topping up while you shop.
For free chargers, yes — you need the app to start a session. Newer paid Pod Point chargers also accept contactless payment without the app.