Sainsbury's EV charging explained
Many supermarkets have already stationed electric vehicle chargers at their stores to provide convenient and accessible public EV charging for the rising number of EV drivers. There are over 1,800,000 electric cars in the UK, after all.
But, if you’re here, you’re likely asking: Does Sainsbury’s have EV chargers? Is EV charging free at Sainsbury’s? Where can I find Sainsbury’s EV charging near me?
Read everything you need to know about Sainsbury’s electric car charging now.
Does Sainsbury’s have EV chargers?
Yes, various Sainsbury’s across the UK have EV chargers available at different charging rates (sometimes called power outputs).
In fact, Sainsbury’s recently invested significantly in Ultra Rapid 150kW chargers and a new EV charging network, focusing exclusively on cutting-edge public EV charging.
Powered by Kempower, Sainsbury’s new Smart Charge EV charging network means Sainsbury’s shoppers can access 150kW ultra-rapid EV chargers. These powerful alternatives to fast 7kW and 22kW EV chargers make a real difference to EV owners. Before, you would be charging for longer with less powerful EV chargers; now, with these reliable charging points, you can conveniently charge your EV up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.
All energy powering the ultra-rapid chargers is generated from 100% renewable energy, too.
And, for every £1 spent on Sainsbury’s EV charging, electric car drivers can get 1 Nectar point with their Nectar card. A win-win.
Are Sainsbury’s EV charging points free?
Sainsbury’s free EV charging is available at some stores, although not all. More often than not, Sainsbury’s fast chargers will be free, unlike Sainsbury’s Ultra Rapid EV charging points.
If you are searching for free Sainsbury’s EV fast chargers, 7kW Pod Point chargers will be your best bet. But, while these EV chargers are free, restrictions may apply, so it’s always best to check the fine print.
For instance, Sainsbury’s EV chargers on Sutton High Street are free but only allow 1.5 hours of free parking.
While most of the 7kW fast chargers at Sainsbury’s are Pod Point, some EV chargers from different manufacturers exist. Other electric car charging points from different manufacturers may also charge a fee.
For any of the newly installed 150kW Ultra-Rapid EV chargers, Sainsbury’s EV charging is not free. In fact, using Sainsbury’s ultra-rapid EV charging points will cost you a flat rate of 72p per kWh.
Overall, Sainsbury’s EV charging costs and the availability of free charging differ depending on where you are and which store you visit.
Which Sainsbury’s have EV charging currently?
Some of the popular locations include:
- Sainsbury’s Bishop Auckland
- Sainsbury’s Harrogate
- Sainsbury’s Desborough
- Sainsbury’s Darnley
- Sainsbury’s Blackhall
- Sainsbury’s Bamber Bridge
- Sainsbury’s High Lane
- Sainsbury’s Ludlow
To find your nearest Sainsbury’s with any available EV charging points, use Sainsbury’s Store Locator and filter by ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Point.’
Since the boost in Smart Charge infrastructure, there will likely be an ultra-rapid charging station at your local Sainsbury’s. However, if there are no Sainsbury’s ultra-rapid EV chargers near you, you can find other 150kW EV chargers near you using some of the best EV charging apps, such as Zap-Map.
What EV charging rates are available?
As mentioned before, Sainsbury’s has fast EV chargers available, or at certain stores, ultra rapid EV chargers. The specific power outputs, or kW charging rate, available are 7kW or 150kW only.
But, if you have an electric car that can handle higher power outputs (because of a larger DC onboard charger), these ultra-rapid 150kW charging stations can charge certain electric cars up to 300kW.
How do I pay for Sainsbury’s EV charging?
EV charging points at Sainsbury’s do not require an RFID card or a subscription. Simply use your debit or credit card to start your EV charging sessions at Sainsbury’s – the EV chargers can take contactless payment too.
How do I use Sainsbury’s EV chargers?
- Park your electric car in one of the EV charging bays
- Find the correct connector and plug in
- Start your EV charging session by paying with your credit or debit card
- Shop while your electric vehicle safely charges
- Unplug your charging cable once the charging session has finished
What connectors are available?
Charging cables with Type 2 connectors are available with any 7kW fast chargers at Sainsbury’s.
For ultra rapid charging points, the CCS2 connectors will always be available, while only some stores with cater to the CHAdeMO connector.
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