Octopus Energy and Sainsbury’s Smart Charge have announced an EV charging partnership which is also supported by a Nectar point incentive for consumers.
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers can now access EV charging at 68 Sainsbury’s UK stores using their Octopus Electroverse card and account.
Smart Charge is now one of the 1,000-plus charging brands across 40 countries that can be paid for using Octopus Electroverse, which has been launched by Octopus to – in its words – simplify public EV charging. Octopus Energy customers can even select to pay for their EV charging using their existing account, meaning any payments made for charging are added to their monthly utility bill.
Sainsbury’s said its chargers can power up an EV in under 30 minutes, and between 16 December 2024 and 10 January 2025, every £1 spent on charging earns drivers five Nectar points.
Smart Charge powered by Sainsbury’s launched at the start of 2024.
Patrick Dunne, director of property, procurement & EV ventures at Sainsbury’s, remarked: “Smart Charge continues to go from strength to strength and we’re delighted that Octopus Electroverse has chosen to collaborate with us, giving all its customers direct access to our 24/7, convenient and reliable ultra-rapid charging hubs.
“This partnership represents another critical step in our ambition to make EV charging simple and accessible to all – it couldn’t come at a better time for us as Sainsbury’s gears up to create a big Christmas for all, with something to satisfy every customer’s taste and budget.”
Commenting on Smart Charge, Matt Davies, director of Octopus Electroverse, said: “Their rapidly increasing number of ultra-rapid supermarket chargers helps fit electric car charging perfectly into daily routines.”
Sainsbury’s also announced last week that Nectar360, which owns and operates Nectar, has extended its partnership with the Woodland Trust until 2027. This tie-up means consumers can earn 20 points for every £1 spent they spend on Woodland Trust memberships online, while members can collect triple points on a range of popular products at the retailer.
Consumers can also donate their loyalty points to fund Woodland Trust initiatives, such as creating wildflower meadows, planting trees, and restoring woodlands.
[image credit: Sainsbury’s]
