Sainsbury’s has joined electric vehicle charging trade association ChargeUK, as it continues to expand its Smart Charge network.
The retailer is the first supermarket to join ChargeUK, which lobbies on behalf of companies within the electric vehicle charging sector. The group’s members have also pledged to invest £6bn into growing EV infrastructure by 2030.
Although most supermarkets offer EV charging through partnerships, Sainsbury’s was the first to launch its own dedicated business arm in January 2024, and has been expanding Smart Charge across the UK over the past year.
Sainsbury’s set the original target of opening ‘ultra rapid’ charge hubs in 100 new and existing Sainsbury’s stores by the end of 2024. However, the rollout has been slower than expected, with 76 currently online, and two more set to open shortly.
“I am delighted to join ChargeUK and be part of the dynamic group focused on the successful growth of EV charging infrastructure across the UK,” said Patrick Dunne, chief property officer of Sainsbury’s and MD of Smart Charge.
“Smart Charge’s commitment to simplicity, reliability and accessibility for all EV drivers aligns perfectly with ChargeUK’s mission. By combining our experience as a customer-first retailer and charge point operator, I am confident that we can support the growth of the UK’s charging industry.”
Sainsbury’s is one of four new members, alongside Sungrow, as well as charging point manufacturers Allegro and Lucy Group.
Charging companies have been rushing to address concerns that the transition to electric cars, and therefore the UK’s net zero ambitions, could be hampered by a lack of charging infrastructure. Last year, then PM Rishi Sunak pushed back the ban on the sale on new diesel and petrol cars until 2035, citing the concerns.
Supermarkets, or more specifically their car parks, offer a good solution due to their geographical spread. The benefits are mutual, and Sainsbury’s has since added Smart Charge to its Nectar loyalty scheme, as well as signed commercial partnerships with a number of rewards and payment providers to encourage shoppers to use the network.
Tesco currently operates the largest network through its partnership with Podpoint in more than 600 stores. However, were Sainsbury’s to reach its 100-store milestone for Smart Charge, it would be among the “top five EV charging players” in the UK, Shore Capital Partners’ Clive Black highlighted.
“With the ZEV mandate consultation ongoing, we are moving into a pivotal period for the future of the transition,” said ChargeUK CEO Vicky Read.
“Now more than ever, it’s great to see companies from across different sectors coming together to work towards an electric future,” she added. “The continuing growth of ChargeUK demonstrates this, as we look forward to having the expertise and experience of Allego, Sainsbury’s, Lucy Group and Sungrow in our organisation.”
She continued: “These new members will aid ChargeUK in continuing the rollout at a record pace, ensuring deployment ramps up in locations that have been hampered by delays, and making sure the UK has a thriving EV market, so that investment in infrastructure continues at scale.”
No comments yet