Volkswagen and Tesco will create what they are describing as the UK’s largest retail network of EV chargers with a commitment to install 2400 charging bays at 600 stores over the next three years.

Both 7kW and 50kW chargers will be available at a selection of Tesco Extra and Superstores and installed by Pod Point, although the split between the charger types has not been revealed.

The standard 7kW chargers will be made available to customers for free, while 50kW chargers will be provided at a cost that is described as “in line with the market rate”.

Volkswagen’s input is motivated by its stated goal of selling one million electric cars a year worldwide by 2025. Order books for the new ID hatchback - a fully electric Golf-sized car - will open in 2019, with the ID Buzz, an MPV, and ID Crozz, an SUV, launching in 2020.

Tesco is the UK’s largest fuel retailer.

Geraldine Ingham, head of marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “Such an extensive network of EV chargers should leave no one in any doubt about the Volkswagen brand’s wholehearted commitment to an electric future.”

Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO UK, added: “We want to be the leading electric vehicle energy provider and to support our customers with more sustainable solutions.”