Sainsbury’s hits 500 charging bay milestone
Sainsbury’s installed more than 500 charging bays across the country as part of its new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging service.
The opening of its Smart Charge hub at its Tamworth store in Staffordshire mean the multiple retailer hit the 500 bays milestone. Its hubs are aimed to assist with advancing the growth of EVs in the UK, with the network of charging points owned and operated by the supermarket.
Smart Charge is powered by 100% renewable electricity, and it aims to make access to EV charging on-the-go more accessible, while also supporting the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
At present, a new Smart Charge Hub is being opened every week. In just over a year, Smart Charge hubs have launched at 62 sites delivering the 500 charging bays.
Each hub features up to 18 ultra-rapid charge points with accessibility and additional space to ensure all drivers can charge with ease and confidence, it said.
As well as visiting the nearby Sainsbury’s stores, those drivers using the charging hubs can also collect the retailer’s loyal scheme, Nectar, to gain additional points.
Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Director of Property, Procurement & EV Ventures, said:
“Today we’ve reached another fantastic milestone in the rollout of Smart Charge with the launch of our 500th charging bay. 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.”
Dunne is due to speak at the Transport + Energy Forum on 21 November at Warwick Conferences. Book to attend the event here now.
Image courtesy of Sainsbury’s