Supermarkets Step Up EV Charging…What It Means for Van Drivers
The growth of electric vehicle (EV) charging points at supermarkets could be good news for van drivers and fleets making the switch to electric.
According to new data from Zapmap and the RAC, the number of supermarket charge points has increased by a third (34%) in just 18 months. Between January 2024 and June 2025, supermarkets added 1,001 new chargers across 260 locations, bringing the total to nearly 4,000 nationwide.
Why this matters for van drivers
While many van drivers rely on depot or home charging, supermarkets are becoming an increasingly important part of the EV charging network. For those without access to private charging, or for businesses whose vans are out on the road all day, supermarkets offer a practical, convenient option to top up while loading supplies, taking a break, or grabbing lunch.
Notably:
- 58% of supermarket charging sites now offer rapid or ultra-rapid chargers - a huge plus for van drivers who can’t afford to spend hours waiting for a top-up.
- The rollout is spreading fast, with 1,876 supermarket locations now providing EV charging. That’s 14% of all supermarkets in the UK.
- Big names like Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons are leading the charge, meaning drivers are more likely to find EV-ready facilities no matter where their route takes them.
Rapid charging on the go
For vans, rapid charging is especially important. A 30–45 minute top-up could be enough to extend a working shift, avoid downtime, and get drivers back on the road quickly. Supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are investing heavily in high-powered chargers (150kW+), which can make a real difference for fleets needing reliable charging options.
Commercial benefits for businesses
Supermarkets themselves are seeing the value too. EV provision increases chill time and traffic to their stores. For businesses, it means drivers can combine refuelling stops with errands or breaks, reducing wasted time and improving efficiency.
Looking ahead
With the government targeting 100,000 new charge points across the UK, supermarket investment is only part of a bigger picture. But for van drivers and fleet operators, the expansion of accessible, rapid charging at familiar and easy-to-reach locations is a positive step toward making EVs more viable for everyday business use.
At Kudos, we’re here to help you explore the best leasing options, including electric vans, to keep your business moving as infrastructure continues to improve.