Sainsbury’s has unveiled a new ultra-rapid EV charging hub at its store at its store in Fosse Park, Leicester.

The hub features 12 150kW+ ultra-rapid bays, while six more bays are due to be added by the summer

Located at the Grove Farm Triangle site, the hub features 12 150kW+ ultra-rapid bays under its new Smart Charge service announced earlier this month. These will be able to charge electric vehicles in as little as 30 minutes.

Six more bays are due to be added by the summer, which will make it the largest Smart Charge hub available in the UK and ensure there is plenty of capacity for everyone who wants to use it.

The hub, which is easily accessible from the M1 motorway, represents a major boost to public EV charging options in the area. It’s aimed at EV users either local, visiting or just passing by – not just those shopping in-store.

The new charging hub is located in the store’s car park. The bays have been designed to be easily accessible for disabled customers, as well as those with young children, thanks to the additional space provided around and between bays.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement & EV ventures, said: “We know that demand for speedy, reliable charging facilities in the UK continues to grow and that’s why we’ve brought Smart Charge, our new best-in-class EV charging service, to Fosse Park.

“We hope EV drivers will enjoy the added convenience and choice this new ultra-rapid hub provides, giving them confidence that they can top up or do a full charge at a Leicester location that’s handy for the M1. What’s more, they can even grab a coffee or pick up some groceries while they’re there.”

Sainsbury’s new Smart Charge service is the first and only EV charging business to be fully owned and managed end-to-end by a UK supermarket and is now available via over 200 ultra-rapid charging bays at 24 Sainsbury’s locations.

New charging hubs are being added to the Smart Charge network throughout the UK regularly and more information is available at www.smartcharge.co.uk.