Sainsbury’s is deploying ultra-rapid 150kW+ chargers at its stores to support the switch to electric vehicles.

Smart Charge is already available at around 200 ultra-rapid charging bays at just over 20 Sainsbury’s locations

The new business, dubbed Smart Charge, is already available at around charging bays at just over 20 Sainsbury’s locations. This will expand to over 750 bays in more than 100 locations by the end of 2024, making Sainsbury’s one of the UK’s top five providers of ultra-rapid EV charging.

Sainsbury’s 150kW chargers allow users to fully charge their vehicle in as little as 30 minutes. Many of the smart chargers, which are supplied by Kempower, deliver up to 300kW, depending on the vehicle’s capabilities. Smart Charge also offers spacious, accessible bays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Research commissioned by the supermarket giant found three-quarters of EV drivers still suffer from range anxiety and a third (32%) say they have yet to benefit from using ultra-rapid charging.

The same proportion expressed frustrations at having to wait with nothing to do at public chargers. With Smart Charge, customers can make the most of the downtime by popping into a Sainsbury’s store to pick up some groceries or grab a coffee while they wait.

As well as targeting drivers local to stores, the new service could provide a valuable solution to those travelling further afield. Some 80% of drivers admit to avoiding long journeys because of not wanting to charge at public EV charging stations, citing broken chargers (40%) as the main deterrent.

The new service supports Sainsbury’s commitment to the EV industry as well as its work to achieve net zero in its own operations by 2035 and net zero across its value chain by 2050.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement & EV ventures, said: “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.

“With our new network of easy-to-use and reliable charging points conveniently located in our supermarkets, Smart Charge will make a real difference to EV drivers in the UK. As one of the few providers to be focusing exclusively on cutting-edge ultra-rapid 150kW+ chargers, customers can be in and out in as little as half an hour and avoid waiting longer with less powerful alternatives. What’s more, they can even grab a coffee or pick up some groceries while they’re there.

“We’re committed to reducing our carbon emissions and reaching net zero in our operations by 2035 and offering a national EV charging service forms part of this pledge. Our new charging points are powered by the same 100% renewable electricity that powers the rest of our estate.”

New charging hubs will be added to the Smart Charge network throughout the UK regularly, with service information and new openings published on www.smartcharge.co.uk.