Sainsbury’s Charges Up UK EV Infrastructure
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity in the United States, but across the pond in the UK, EVs are even more common. As part of the effort to expand EV charging infrastructure to keep pace, British supermarket chain Sainsbury’s has launched an ambitious ultra-rapid EV charging network. With convenience and speed as top priorities, Sainsbury’s aims to install over 750 charging bays at more than 100 store locations by the end of 2024.
For American drivers still uncertain about transitioning to an EV, Sainsbury’s provides a model for how charging can be incorporated seamlessly into everyday life. Making charging fast, easy and available where drivers already shop could be a game changer.
Sainsbury’s new EV charging network is branded as Smart Charge. The company is focused exclusively on “cutting-edge ultra-rapid 150kW-plus chargers,” which can deliver 200 miles of charge in just 30 minutes.
This is a huge upgrade from most public Level 2 chargers in the US, which might only add 25 miles of range per hour of charging. For EVs with larger batteries, ultra-rapid charging unlocks the ability to use the vehicle for longer trips, secure in the knowledge that the battery can be replenished quickly.
Smart Charge stations are currently available at over 20 Sainsbury’s stores, with new locations being added rapidly. Each station has multiple chargers, with the largest hub at a Sainsbury’s in Leicester having 18 ultra-rapid charging bays.
Installing ultra-rapid EV chargers at supermarkets is a strategic decision by Sainsbury’s. The chargers are located where drivers already shop, so they can conveniently charge their EVs while grabbing groceries for dinner or having a coffee.
Sainsbury’s is one of the largest supermarket chains in the UK, so Smart Charge stations at its stores already provide broad coverage. Shopping while charging saves time compared to visiting a standalone charging plaza. The concept caters to the on-the-go lifestyles of many EV drivers.
Ease of use was another key focus in the Smart Charge design. Customers simply drive up, plug in with the provided cable, and pay via contactless debit/credit card or a digital wallet. No membership or subscription is required.
The charging process starts automatically, and customers can monitor progress directly on the station’s screen. Receipts are provided via QR code once the session is complete. An automated text notifies drivers when charging nears 80% so the vehicle can be moved to open the bay for waiting drivers.
If any questions arise during charging, 24/7 customer support is available by phone. For American drivers, the streamlined process may help alleviate “range anxiety” by demonstrating how seamless EV charging can be.
Sainsbury’s views its EV charging network as an important initiative aligned with the company’s sustainability commitments. It aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2035, and net zero throughout its value chain by 2050.
Transportation is a major focus, as it accounts for 10% of the company’s carbon footprint. As Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement and EV ventures explained, “We’re committed to reducing our carbon emissions and reaching net zero in our operations by 2035, and offering a national EV charging service forms part of this pledge.”
To further enhance sustainability, Smart Charge stations source renewable energy to power EV charging. This helps maximize emissions reductions from the shift to electric transportation.
For Sainsbury’s, investing in convenient ultra-rapid charging aims to remove barriers and accelerate EV adoption. The lack of public charging options still deters some consumers from switching to electric. By expanding charging access, Sainsbury’s enables wider EV use.
The UK government has set a goal of 300,000 public charging points by 2030, up significantly from around 50,000 in 2021. Industry partnerships like Sainsbury’s Smart Charge network will be vital for reaching this target.
Ultimately, the strategy demonstrates how the private sector can support the transition to electric transportation, while also providing a valuable service to customers. Sainsbury’s is leading by example in developing a win-win initiative to charge up the UK’s EV infrastructure.
As EVs gain ground in America, Sainsbury’s provides inspiration for integrating ultra-rapid charging into everyday life:
Sainsbury’s Smart Charge network demonstrates the opportunity for innovative business models to make charging simple. With the right infrastructure, more American drivers may feel confident about going electric. Convenient ultra-rapid charging located where people shop, dine and run errands brings fast-charging into the mainstream.
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