Casino will host 30 Tesla fast charging stations

The fast charging network for electric vehicles accelerates at supermarkets, with Casino announcing 30 Tesla Supercharger stations by the end of 2023.

The rapid charging network must adapt to the surge in electric vehicle sales. Supermarket chains are now actively involved in its expansion, with Casino contributing to the effort.

Casino and Tesla, an unexpected duo

The group announced the installation of 30 new stations across its stores. They will be located in the parking lots of supermarkets such as Géant Casino hypermarkets and Casino supermarkets, as well as Casino Immobilier. Not just any partner was chosen, but Tesla. The French company will host the famous Tesla Superchargers, which will be open 24/7.

Later, 30 stations will join the fast charging network by the end of 2023, with no further details available. It is known, however, that each Tesla Supercharger station will have between 8 and 20 charging units. Casino will open its first station by fall 2022, at the Géant Casino in Annecy (Savoie).

This is the second major announcement from the group, following the one in 2019. The group has already installed Allego fast chargers, with a maximum power of 160 kW. Its subsidiary promised to deploy 80 charging stations in France, also hosting (non-fast) chargers from its GreenYellow branch. Outside Casino, this subsidiary also committed to deploying “1,500 charging points by the end of 2022”.

Are these stations open to all cars?

It is not yet certain whether these Tesla stations are compatible with all car brands. Initially, Casino states “Tesla Supercharger stations allowing brand customers to recharge their 100% electric vehicles.” Is it Tesla or Casino brand? The doubt remains.

However, the group reminds that “Tesla has already started opening its charging network to all electric vehicles.” But, this remains an assertion from the automaker, not specifically about the upcoming stations.

What are the prices and charging power at Casino?

The charging power is 250 kW, enough to recharge 80% of a battery in less than 30 minutes for the largest batteries. There’s also a rumor that Tesla Superchargers’ power will increase this year to over 320 kW. However, the price of such a recharge remains to be seen.

Currently, Tesla charges at 0.36 €/kWh. This means a 10-80% charge costs around €14 for a Peugeot e-208, €20 for a Kia EV6, and €25 for a Tesla Model S. The Allego stations already installed at Casino are priced at 0.55 €/kWh. Charging a Renault ZOE there costs about €21, while a Porsche Taycan costs €30.

What do other supermarkets or auto-centers offer? So far, only Lidl offers a few free 120 kW chargers, while Norauto’s DBT R3 chargers are priced at 0.36 €/kWh, cheaper than Tesla. We still await the pricing details for Carrefour’s Allego stations, while Auchan is limited to 50 kW and Leclerc to 22 kW.