Electric vehicle (EV) drivers shopping at Sainsbury's can now enjoy the convenience of charging their vehicles quickly thanks to the new partnership between Octopus Energy and Sainsbury's. Announced on December 16, 2024, this collaboration makes over 560 ultra-rapid EV chargers available across 68 Sainsbury's stores nationwide.
Using the Octopus Electroverse card, EV drivers can power up their vehicles in less than 30 minutes, matching the time it typically takes to shop for groceries. This innovative approach allows customers to incorporate charging seamlessly within their daily routines, making it easier than ever to choose electric.
To celebrate the festive season, Octopus Energy has rolled out special rewards for those utilizing the Smart Charge network. From December 16 to January 10, drivers will earn 5 Nectar points for every £1 spent on charging. This initiative offers additional savings for shoppers and incentivizes greener behavior during the busy holiday period.
Launched at the beginning of 2024, the Smart Charge network boasts reliability, with over 99% uptime, ensuring dependable service at all locations. Each charging station is equipped with accessible bays, catering to the diverse needs of all customers, reinforcing Sainsbury's commitment to accessibility.
Matt Davies, Director of Octopus Electroverse, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "It’s fantastic to welcome Sainsbury’s Smart Charge chargers to Electroverse. Their rapidly increasing number of ultra-rapid supermarket chargers helps fit electric car charging perfectly..." He emphasized how the collaboration aims to streamline the charging experience for drivers heading to Sainsbury’s.
Patrick Dunne, Director of Property, Procurement, and EV ventures at Sainsbury's, added: "Smart Charge continues to go from strength to strength, and we’re delighted... this partnership... make EV charging simple and accessible to all..." This sentiment is echoed across both organizations as they work to make electric vehicle charging as straightforward as parking and shopping.
Driving forward, this partnership leaves drivers with the option to sign up for the Octopus Electroverse service online or through the mobile app. Once they receive their card, they can start using it right away at Smart Charge stations. The app-based charging feature is set to launch early next year, making the entire process even more convenient.
This collaboration not only highlights Sainsbury’s commitment to enhancing their customer experience but also contributes to broader trends aimed at promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. The UK has achieved significant milestones, with nearly 90,000 public EV chargers installed nationwide, signaling the growing infrastructure supporting the switch to electric.
Research indicates positive feedback from EV users, with four out of five drivers having enjoyed their experiences with public charging stations. Such statistics underpin the confidence of both businesses as they push forward to make EV charging more accessible. By joining forces, Octopus Energy and Sainsbury's strive to provide solutions for today’s needs and the future’s demands.
Overall, this partnership emerges as not just a step forward for Sainsbury’s and Octopus Energy, but also as part of the broader movement toward sustainability. The integration of ultra-rapid charging stations within everyday locations exemplifies how businesses can facilitate greener choices for consumers, particularly during times like the festive shopping season.
Shoppers can now embrace electric mobility with convenience, rewards, and confidence as they fill their carts at Sainsbury's. The collaboration paves the way for the future of shopping and sustainability, making electric vehicle charging just another seamless part of the shopping experience.