Allstar, one of the UK’s leading EV, fuel and business expense payment companies, has been selected by Sainsbury’s as its first B2B roaming partner for its EV charging service, Smart Charge. From today, Allstar’s customers will benefit from being able to charge at 58 EV hubs at Sainsbury’s stores nationwide. Drivers will also be able to collect Nectar points as they pay to recharge their EVs. Until October 25th, Smart Charge is offering x10 Nectar points for those charging for the first time.
In research commissioned by Sainsbury’s earlier this year, 80% of EV users admitted to avoiding long journeys because of not wanting to charge at public EV charging stations, describing the main frustrations as chargers being broken (40%), not enough charging bays (36%) and speed of service (33%).
While Allstar recently released data from its AllCosts report which found that public EV chargers being used by Allstar customers was up 264% – more than twice as much than the same period 12 months ago, in March 2023. This illustrates both the demand from drivers for fast and convenient charging while on the road, and the need for synergistic partnerships that make EV charging convenient and reliable for all drivers.
This is now achieved as Allstar, powered by its sister company, Plugsurfing – one of Europe’s largest roaming networks and e-mobility providers, is the first B2B roaming partner for Sainsbury’s Smart Charge.
The partnership builds off an already successful and over 20 year heritage between Allstar and Sainsbury’s for fuel, but now means drivers will be able to recharge their vehicles using state-of-the-art charging technology and equipment that uses the same 100% renewable electricity that powers Sainsbury’s estates.
Ultra-rapid 150kw chargers could, depending on vehicle capability, charge vehicles to 80% in less than 30 minutes, meaning customers have the convenience to quickly top-up whilst grabbing some lunch and taking a quick business call but always ensuring they are back on the road fast. Charging is also available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement & EV ventures, said: “The new partnership between Smart Charge and Allstar represents a fantastic new milestone for our EV charging business. From today, Allstar customers have access to our 24/7, convenient and reliable ultra-rapid charging hubs. Customers can make use of Sainsbury’s services such as cafes during their short wait, with the added personal reward of earning Nectar points while they charge.
“This is a critical next step in our ambition to make EV charging simple and accessible to all, giving a whole new sector of EV fleet drivers easy access to our network of over 475 bays at more than 58 locations up and down the country.”
Paul Holland, managing director for UK/ANZ Fleet at Corpay, including UK brand, Allstar, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our extensive partnership with Sainsbury’s to now include EV charging in conjunction with their exciting Smart Charge initiative. Our focus is to provide the best payment solution for our customers, whether that’s fuel, EV charging on the road or at home. This is because we know that every business in the UK is at very different stages of their transition to an electric fleet. We also know, through our own research, the different needs and wants of business drivers across the UK. Public charging is up, and businesses continue to turn to electric vehicles for their fleet operations.
“It is through innovative partnerships like Sainsbury’s Smart Charge, that we are aligning with like-minded, forward thinking brands that share our vision for a fast, convenient and accessible EV charging world for all the nation’s drivers.”
