Northern supermarket firm Booths is to install electric car chargers at all its stores, enabling drivers to charge while they shop.

Booths has already installed 40 chargers across 13 of its sites

The retailer, which is celebrated for its local sourcing and strong links to the local community, is working with InstaVolt to install the electric car chargers, with  40 already live, including four that were installed at its Kirkby Lonsdale store last week. Its remaining stores will get chargers in the coming weeks and months.

The InstaVolt charging stations are available for EV drivers to use on a pay-as-you-go basis with no subscription, card or membership needed. Drivers can just tap their contactless credit or debit card to pay.

Chairman and CEO Edwin Booth said: “At Booths we take a pride in providing the best possible service to customers both old and new. With the increase in electric and hybrid car ownership we are working with InstaVolt to offer a new and important facility which is part of the journey towards a more sustainable future for personal transport.”

Tim Payne, CEO of InstaVolt, added: “As sales of electric cars rise it’s becoming increasingly important to create a public network of rapid chargers in places that fit into people’s lives and allow them to charge their EVs just like they’d top up with petrol or diesel. Places such as supermarkets are a perfect example and we’re pleased to be working with Booths. This move to install InstaVolt chargers will see the chain become a significant part of the UK’s public charging infrastructure.”