UK grocer Sainsbury’s said today that its electric vehicle (EV) charging network Smart Charge has supplied enough energy to power more than 60 million miles of travel since it launched little over a year ago.
Unveiled in January 2024, Smart Charge is the supermarket chain’s own EV business – and the retailer said it now offers 650 ultra-rapid charging bays across more than 75 Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.
Sainsbury’s said that by helping build the infrastructure to support the switch to cleaner transport, it is making it easier for motorists to adopt EVs and therefore reduce fossil fuel reliance on UK roads.
Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement & EV Ventures, said: “Reaching 60 million fossil free miles in just over a year shows what’s possible with investment and a relentless focus on our customers.
“We set out to remove the barriers to EV adoption by making charging fast, reliable and easy – and that’s exactly what Smart Charge delivers, at convenient locations where lots of EV drivers already shop.”
He added: “Investing in our EV network is a key part of our ‘Next Level’ Sainsbury’s strategy, and we’re just getting started. We’re excited to keep building on its initial success and take Smart Charge even further in the months and years ahead.”
Future of Roads minister Lilian Greenwood remarked: “It’s amazing that Sainsbury’s has powered 60 million miles worth of zero emission journeys in just over a year, thanks to its £25m investment to install hundreds of chargers at its stores – helping drivers charge easily and conveniently while doing their shopping.”
Over the past 12 months, Sainsbury’s has invested £25 million in the Smart Charge network. The service allows drivers to recharge their EVs in as little as 30 minutes while they shop, using ultra-rapid 150kW chargers without the need for subscriptions or apps.
The retailer said all the chargers are powered by the same 100% renewable energy that powers Sainsbury’s wider estate and they come with access to 24/7 driver support.
There is also a link to Nectar loyalty programme rewards – with drivers able to earn one point for every £1 spent on charging. Since the introduction of Nectar to Smart Charge, more than ten million points have been awarded in under a year, according to the grocer.
[image credit: Sainsbury’s]
