Kaufland Czechia has partnered with German multinational electric utility company E.ON to install electric vehicle charging points across its store estate in the country.
The first stage of the project will see Kaufland add more than 400 charging points in 41 locations in Czechia by the end of 2026.
By the end of the second stage, the retailer aims to offer more than 1,000 charging points.
Kaufland, a part of Lidl parent Schwarz Group, operates around 141 stores in Czechia.
Jörg Bauer, CEO of Kaufland Czechia said, "In 2020, we committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 82% in 2030 compared to 2019. I think this target is very challenging, but in order not to be left with empty words and promises, we are working very hard on various measures leading to the fulfilment of this goal.
"In 2022, we decided on a complete transition to electricity produced only from renewable sources. At the beginning of 2023, we developed a strategy for photovoltaics on our buildings, and now it's time to develop electromobility. We now operate 99 charging stations at 73 stores."
A 'Win-Win' Partnership
Martin Klíma, CEO of E.ON Drive Infrastructure, describes the partnership between Kaufland and E.ON as a "win-win for both companies" as they have common goals and values.
"The location of the stores of the Kaufland chain is ideal, as they evenly cover the territory of the Czech Republic and are close to main roads. In some locations with a high frequency of movement, we are even counting on the installation of charging stations with a power of 300 to 400 kW," added Klíma.
E.ON Drive Infrastructure plans to commence construction at stores in České Budějovice, Karlovy Vary, Kladno, Pilsen, Zlín, Vrchlabí, Znojmo this year, as well as continue construction in Prague.
In all locations, the project will be designed in such a way that additional charging stations can be added in the future without any intervention in the infrastructure.
Martin Klíma, said, "Previous experience has taught us that it's good to count on not staying at just one charging station. We don't leave anything to chance, which is why we plan in advance where it will be necessary to strengthen cables or build additional substations.
"Times have changed and it's not like before, when we built one charging station near the department store, which was more than enough. The number of electric cars is increasing and we are trying to meet the demands of our customers and partners. Just the fact that the total investment exceeds CZK 2 billion emphasises the importance of the project."
