Sainsbury’s ultra-rapid EV charging network has passed the milestone of 500 charging bays with the opening of a new hub at its Tamworth store.

Sainsbury’s Smart Charge service now has more than 500 ultra-rapid charging bays

The milestone comes a year after the Smart Charge service launched and means the service is now available at 62 sites so far.

Sainsbury’s 150kW charging bays allow drivers to fully charge their vehicle in as little as 30 minutes. They’re also powered by the same 100% renewable energy that powers the Sainsbury’s estate. All hubs feature accessible bays with additional space to enable every driver to charge with ease.

Smart Charge is the only ultra-rapid EV charging network that is owned and operated by a UK supermarket, and aims to make access to EV charging on-the-go more accessible while supporting the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Users can also collect Nectar points for every pound spent.

On average, a new Smart Charge Hub is opened every week and the rollout will continue at pace over the coming months, targeting areas where charging is most needed.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement & EV ventures, said: “We know that a lack of readily available public charging points and long wait times to use existing services can be barriers to EV adoption in the UK, and we’re on a mission to improve this wherever we can.

“With ultra-rapid charging points in more locations than ever before, we’re focused on expanding our Smart Charge network in key areas up and down the country where we know the demand is highest.”

Smart Charge network information and new openings are available at www.smartcharge.co.uk.