Sainsbury’s Smart Charge has partnered with the Department for Transport to help drivers experience the benefits of electric vehicles through a series of in-store EV events taking place
Sainsbury’s Smart Charge has partnered with the Department for Transport to help drivers experience the benefits of electric vehicles through a series of in-store EV events taking place this week.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to see electric vehicles up close, book test drives, experience ultra rapid charging and learn more about how electric vehicles work, including details of the Government’s Electric Car Grant.
The events, which are supported by Nissan and Alphabet, will take place at the following locations:
Nissan will showcase the Ariya and the all-new Micra, while Alphabet, the multi-make subsidiary of BMW Group, will present the BMW iX3 and Mini Countryman SE.
Representatives from the Department for Transport and Sainsbury’s Smart Charge will also be onsite to answer questions.
The partnership aims to improve public understanding of electric vehicles and demonstrate how easy and convenient charging on the go can be.
Research commissioned by the Department for Transport found that 71% of people are unaware that there are now more public electric vehicle chargers than petrol stations, with around 120,000 public chargers available across the UK.
The research also found that more than a third of non-EV drivers said easier access to charging would make them more likely to switch to an electric vehicle.
By offering onsite demonstrations and practical advice, the events aim to show how simple charging can be.
The event will also showcase the performance benefits from EVs and how drivers can save money on running costs by going electric.
Home charging can cost as little as 2p per mile, while new electric vehicles are now available from £16k, with used options from under £5k.
Drivers can also secure discounts of up to £3,750 at the point of sale on qualifying vehicles thanks to the Government’s Electric Car Grant, backed by funding of £2bn to further reduce the cost of electric cars to 2030.
Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said: “The EV revolution is here with over 2 million EVs now in the UK, but we want even more drivers to see the benefits of going electric, which is why we’re pleased to be partnering with Sainsbury’s to bring the electric experience to more communities.
“Today, making the switch to electric has never made more sense – drivers can save up to £1,400 a year on running costs, and 55 models are now eligible under our Electric Car Grant, which has already helped over 100,000 people save up to £3,750 off the price of a new electric car.”
Emma Williams, director of customer and commercial at Smart Charge, said: “Events such as these provide a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to experience both electric vehicles and charging away from home. Combining that with a familiar and trusted brand such as Sainsbury’s Smart Charge, can help instil confidence in those looking to make the switch to EV.”
James Taylor, Nissan GB managing director, commented: “By bringing Nissan’s electric models to familiar locations such as Sainsbury’s, we’re making it easier for drivers to see how practical, enjoyable and accessible going electric can be. With a strong UK footprint spanning design, engineering and manufacturing, Nissan is proud to support initiatives that help more customers take the next step towards electrifying Britain’s roads.”
Caroline Sandall-Mansergh, consultancy and channel development manager for Alphabet GB, said: “As a major vehicle leasing and fleet management provider, we are delighted to actively support the Department for Transport’s campaign to help more drivers get up close and see the tangible benefits of switching to an electric vehicle. There’s plenty in store for the future.”
The partnership follows the launch of the Department for Transport’s Get That Electric Feeling campaign in January. The campaign supports the Government’s ambition to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy and help drivers switch to electric vehicles ahead of the 2030 phase out of new petrol and diesel cars.
