Are Aldi EV Chargers Free? Your Complete UK Guide

Aldi is now among the top 5 supermarkets in the UK, with 74% of shoppers reporting a great experience at one of its stores. With over 1,050 stores across the UK, they have a huge amount of customers through their doors every day.
Of these customers, many will now be driving electric cars. If you are one of these drivers, you might wonder whether you can charge while you shop, as supermarket charging is becoming a really popular way for EV drivers to top up.

But are Aldi EV chargers free?

Some used to be, but most now operate on a paid model. However, the full picture is more nuanced.

In this guide, we’ll explain whether Aldi offers free EV chargers, how Aldi EV charging works, what you might expect to pay, and how to find free EV charge points across the UK. We’ll also explore whether supermarket charging is cheaper than at-home charging and examine the most cost-effective long-term charging options for an electric vehicle. If you already drive an EV or are considering switching, this Pro EV guide will help you understand how Aldi charging fits into the wider UK EV charging network.

Historically, some Aldi stores offered free electric car charging as an incentive for customers, allowing drivers to plug in their vehicles at no cost while they shopped. However, as the number of electric vehicles has increased and electricity prices have risen, most Aldi EV charging installations now operate on a pay-per-kWh basis, similar to most other supermarkets. This means charging is, more often than not, payable, and the price you pay can vary depending on the charging network that manages the chargers at that location. While some stores may occasionally offer limited-time promotions or incentives, in most cases, Aldi EV chargers now require payment for the electricity used.

Aldi typically partners with established charging networks to install and operate its charging infrastructure. Rather than running chargers directly, Aldi works with third-party providers.

Common operators at Aldi locations include networks such as Pod Point and other regional or national charging providers. The company managing the charger typically determines key aspects of the charging experience, including the cost per kWh, whether contactless payment is accepted, available app functionality, and whether RFID cards can be used to start a session. Because Aldi partners with multiple charging networks across different sites, both pricing and charging speeds can vary from one store to another, but charging apps can show you the costs at various stores for comparison.

An amp (A) measures electrical current, the amount of electricity flowing through a circuit. In the water analogy, amps are like the amount of water flowing through a pipe. The higher the amps, the greater the electrical power flowing through the system. For example, a typical 7kW EV charger draws around 32 amps, while a 3.6kW charger draws roughly 16 amps. Because EV charging usually runs for extended periods, this current flows continuously, which is why correct installation, appropriate cabling and properly rated circuit breakers are essential for safety and reliable operation.

Aldi car park installations usually include a mix of charger types.

1. Slow Charger (7kW)

A slow charger is typically AC-based and designed for locations where vehicles remain parked for longer periods. These chargers are well-suited to situations where drivers may be spending more time at a location, such as completing a full weekly shop. While they are reliable and convenient, they generally won’t add much driving range during shorter shopping trips. Slow chargers are usually best suited to plug-in hybrid vehicles, drivers staying for longer periods, or those who only want to top up their battery rather than fully recharge it.

2. Fast AC Chargers (22kW)

Some Aldi sites offer 22kW AC charging, which will charge EVs faster. While the charger may be capable of 22kW, your EV may be limited by its onboard charger, which is typically 7kW or 11kW.

3. Rapid Chargers

Rapid chargers, typically 50kW DC units, are more commonly found at larger Aldi stores. These chargers can add a useful amount of driving range in about 30–40 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s battery size, the car’s maximum charging capability, and the vehicle’s state of charge when it’s plugged in. In some cases, Aldi or the charging network may run promotional events that temporarily offer free rapid charging, but these offers are occasional and are not a standard feature across the wider charging network.

Aldi EV charging stations are available at selected stores across England, Scotland and Wales. To find one, drivers can use popular EV charging apps such as Zap-Map or PlugShare, check the apps provided by the charging network operating the site, or simply search online for “EV charging points near me.” These tools allow EV drivers to view nearby chargers, check live availability, see pricing information, and confirm connector types before arriving at the location.