British supermarket group Sainsbury’s is making a strategic foray into the electric vehicle (EV) charging business with ambitious plans to deploy more than 750 ultra-rapid charging bays across 100 store car parks by the end of 2024.
The supermarket chain envisions its “Smart Charge” initiative not only as a service but as an opportunity for EV users to conveniently shop in its stores while their vehicles recharge. This move aligns with a broader trend of businesses incorporating EV charging infrastructure to enhance customer experience and promote sustainable practices.
Sainsbury’s initiative comes on the heels of BT, the UK’s largest telecoms group, announcing its pilot project to convert traditional street cabinets into EV charging units, potentially creating a network of 60,000 new charging points. The scarcity of charging infrastructure has been identified as a deterrent to wider EV adoption, with 38% of drivers expressing interest in EVs if charging becomes more convenient.
As of December, there were 53,906 EV charging points in the UK, according to figures from Zapmap. The government aims to increase this number to 300,000 by the 2030s, emphasizing the crucial role of private businesses in achieving this target.
Sainsbury’s plans to deploy 150kW Smart Charge bays, enabling users to fully charge their vehicles in as little as 30 minutes, providing ample power for a 200-mile journey. The chargers can deliver faster charging speeds of up to 300kW if a driver’s vehicle battery supports it. The charging technology and equipment will be sourced from Kempower.
In a broader context, this move reflects Sainsbury’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices. Additionally, it positions the supermarket as a key player in the evolving landscape of electric mobility infrastructure.
