British supermarket chain Sainsbury’s has launched a new initiative to reward customers with Nectar points when they use its ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging service, Smart Charge.
Sainsbury's becomes the first EV charging provider in the UK to integrate a national loyalty scheme with its service.
From July 2024, Smart Charge users with active Nectar accounts can earn one Nectar point for every pound spent on charging their electric vehicles.
Nectar, the supermarket's multi-partner loyalty programme, allows members to collect and spend points with consumer brands including Sainsbury's, Argos and British Airways.
EV drivers who are not yet Nectar members, can sign up via the Nectar app and website, or pick up a card in-store.
Smart Charge has a network of more than 400 charging bays and has already accumulated more than 65,000 hours of charging.
The service, which is powered by 100% renewable energy, offers the fastest type of EV charging available on the market.
The announcement coincides with the opening of Sainsbury's 50th Smart Charge location its London Enfield superstore, which features 12 new charging bays.
Sainsbury's property, procurement and electric vehicle ventures director Patrick Dunne said: “Today marks a huge milestone for our Smart Charge business as we become the first EV charging provider to offer customers loyalty benefits from a UK leading loyalty programme, Nectar.
“Customers using any of our 400 Smart Charge bays across the country will now be able to benefit from collecting Nectar points to spend on their favourite brands.
“With bays in more locations than ever before, and Sainsbury’s stores conveniently placed far and wide, it has never been easier for EV drivers across the UK to access ultra-rapid facilities, and now they can reap the benefit of Nectar points too. Not to forget the added advantage of popping into a Sainsbury’s store to pick up some groceries while waiting for their vehicle charge to complete.”
Sainsbury’s recently partnered with Klarna to introduce interest-free payment methods including Buy Now Pay Later at three of its brands.
