Smart Charge, Sainsbury’s ultra-rapid EV charging network, has reached a major milestone by saving the equivalent of 60 million fossil fuel miles on UK roads, resulting in a reduction of 10.71 million kg of CO2 emissions compared to non-electric vehicles.
The service, launched in January 2024, is designed to improve access to on-the-go charging and plays a key role in accelerating the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
The rapid success of its uptake by EV drivers reflects the scale and pace of Smart Charge’s rollout, with more than 650 ultra-rapid charging bays now live across over 75 Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.
Patrick Dunne, Chief Property and Procurement Officer, MD of Smart Charge says reaching 60 million fossil free miles in just over a year shows what’s possible with investment and a relentless focus on 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 said
“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.”
Smart Charge is fully owned and managed end-to-end by Sainsbury’s. Customers can recharge their EVs in as little as 30 minutes with ultra-rapid 150kW chargers while they shop, without the need for subscriptions or apps. 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.
Smart Charge is the first electric charging service to offer customers loyalty benefits from the UK’s biggest multi-partner loyalty program, Nectar, earning one point for every £1 spent on charging. Since the introduction of Nectar to Smart Charge, more than 10 million points have been awarded in under a year.
