Sainsbury’s, one of the largest supermarket chains in the UK, is set to launch a groundbreaking charging brand called Smart Charge. This new initiative aims to address the concerns of electric vehicle (EV) drivers regarding slow charging speeds and the inconvenience of waiting during the charging process.
Smart Charge will introduce 750 ultra-rapid charging bays in supermarket car parks across the country. These charging bays will feature 150kW infrastructure, capable of providing a full charge for popular pure-electric car and van models within as little as 30 minutes. For vehicles with batteries that can accept higher speeds, up to 300kW options will be available at most locations.
According to a survey conducted by Sainsbury’s, slow charging speed is one of the top concerns for 500 EV drivers in the UK. One-third of respondents expressed frustration with having to wait idly during the charging process and expressed a preference for charging at locations such as shopping centers or cafes.
Sainsbury’s aims to make Smart Charge the leading charging brand in the UK. Their research revealed that while three-quarters of EV drivers currently use multiple charging brands, over 90% would prefer to use just one.
Patric Dunne, Sainsbury’s Director of Property, Procurement, and EV Ventures, believes that Smart Charge will make a significant difference to EV drivers in the UK. The convenience, speed, and reliability of the Smart Charge infrastructure are expected to enhance the overall EV charging experience.
In addition to supporting the needs of EV drivers, the UK government has also expressed its support for initiatives like Smart Charge. Anthony Browne, the UK Government’s Minister for Technology and Decarbonisation, commended Sainsbury’s for embracing ultra-rapid technology, which he believes will benefit EV drivers.
Smart Charge is an important step towards achieving the UK government’s goal of hosting at least 300,000 public EV charging points by the end of the decade.
FAQ:
1. What is Smart Charge?
Smart Charge is a new charging brand launched by Sainsbury’s, offering ultra-rapid charging bays in supermarket car parks across the UK.
2. How fast is the charging speed?
Smart Charge features 150kW charging infrastructure, providing a full charge for many popular pure-electric car and van models within 30 minutes. Up to 300kW speeds are available for vehicles with batteries capable of accepting higher speeds.
3. What is the motivation behind Smart Charge?
Smart Charge aims to address the concerns of EV drivers regarding slow charging speeds and the inconvenience of waiting during the charging process.
4. How many charging bays will be available?
Initially, Smart Charge will have 750 ultra-rapid charging bays across the country.
5. What are the goals of Smart Charge?
Sainsbury’s aims to make Smart Charge the leading charging brand in the UK, offering convenience, speed, and reliability to EV drivers.
Source: [Faversham House Ltd](https://www.favershamhouse.com/)
