Sainsbury’s has launched a new ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging brand, giving its customers access to more than 750 charging points in 100 stores across the country by the end of the year.
The new business – called Smart Charge – will make the supermarket one of the UK’s top five providers of ultra-rapid EV charging.
Drivers will be able to fully charge their vehicle in as little as 30 minutes, although this may be faster if a driver’s vehicle battery can accept higher charger speeds, up to 300kW.
Sainsbury’s – which has described the move as a “game changer for EV users” – said it hopes that drivers using the Smart Charge facilities will also shop instore while their vehicles are being charged.
Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement and EV ventures Patrick Dunne said that the charging services forms “part of its pledge” to commitment to achieving net zero in its own operations by 2035 and across its value chain by 2050.
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“As EV ownership continues to grow, it’s shocking to see that an incredible three-quarters of EV drivers still suffer range anxiety and many have avoided journeys as a result.”
Adding that Smart Charge will “make a real difference” to these drivers, he also revealed that the 150kW charging points are powered by the same 100% renewable energy as rest of the supermarket’s estate.
Research from the grocer found that 80% of EV drivers avoid long journeys because they don’t want to charge at public EV charging stations, describing the main frustrations as broken chargers (40%), not enough charging bays (36%) and speed of service (33%).
Minister for technology and decarbonisation Antony Browne commented: “Businesses play a crucial role in the delivery of EV infrastructure, so it’s great to see Sainsbury’s embracing ultra-rapid technology which will benefit EV drivers.
“Together with industry we’ve supported the installation of over 52,600 charge points across the UK, an increase of 44% from last year.”
