Search: Drax

Drax has assumed control of the EV charging network operated across Aldi's UK stores, according to DirectorsTalk Interviews. The move positions the power generation company as the operator of charging infrastructure at one of Britain's largest grocery chains. No financial terms or site numbers were disclosed in the announcement.

Why it matters: The deal signals consolidation in retail charging as established energy firms acquire operational control of supermarket networks. For CPOs and installers, it may reshape procurement routes and maintenance contracts at a major grocery estate.

Aldi has moved its 1,200 EV chargers across 250 UK stores to new operator Drax and installed new units at more than 30 locations including Diss, Eastbourne, Durham and Yate. The supermarket will add chargers to 20 new stores annually, each with two AC fast chargers serving four bays up to 22 kW and up to two DC rapid chargers serving four bays up to 160 kW. Pricing is set at 40p per kWh for fast charging and 62p per kWh for rapid charging, with no subscription required.

Why it matters: The Drax contract consolidates a large existing estate under a single operator and locks in a predictable pipeline of 20 sites per year, offering equipment suppliers and installers a steady stream of work. Aldi's standardised hardware specification and competitive tariffs also set a benchmark for grocery retail charging tenders.