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.By building the infrastructure to support the switch to cleaner transport, Smart Charge is making it easier for UK motorists to adopt electric vehicles. The service 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.
Sainsbury’s launched the Smart Charge brand in January 2024 and 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.
Smart Charge has supplied enough renewable energy through its ultra-rapid charging stations to power electric vehicles for over 60 million miles, journeys that would have otherwise needed petrol or diesel. The distance is enough to drive from Land’s End to John o’ Groats and back over 35,000 times.
Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement & EV Ventures, said: “Reaching 60 million fossil free miles in just over a year shows what’s possible with investment and a relentless focus on our 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.
“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.”
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “It’s amazing that Sainsbury’s has powered 60 million miles worth of zero emission journeys in just over a year, thanks to its £25m investment to install hundreds of chargers at its stores – helping drivers charge easily and conveniently while doing their shopping.
“We’re investing £2.3 billion to help drivers switch to electric vehicles while putting money in the pockets of hardworking people by protecting jobs, backing British carmakers and driving growth as part of the Plan for Change.”
Over the past 12 months, Sainsbury’s has invested £25 million in the network, reinforcing its commitment to scaling high-performing sites and opening new Smart Charge hubs in key target locations.
Using Smart Charge, 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.
At 72p per kWh, Smart Charge also has one of the lowest tap-and-go ultra-rapid charging rates available. Smart Charge customers also benefit from Nectar rewards – 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.
The journey towards a cleaner, smarter and more convenient future is well underway and Smart Charge is just one of the ways Sainsbury’s is delivering for customers today, while building a better tomorrow. The service is intended to help advance the uptake of electric vehicles in the UK, supporting the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
