Smart Charge and the Department for Transport team up to bring electric vehicles experience to Sainsbury’s stores
Sainsbury’s Smart Charge has partnered with the Department for Transport on a series of in-store EV events taking place from 21st to 23rd May. The events are supported by Nissan and Alphabet.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to see electric vehicles up close, book test drives, experience ultra rapid charging and learn more about how electric vehicles work, including details of the government’s Electric Car Grant.
The events will take place at the following locations: London Colney Superstore, St Albans on 21st May; Sainsbury’s Harrogate on 22nd May; Sainsbury’s Warren Heath on 23rd May.
Nissan will showcase the ARIYA and the new MICRA, while Alphabet - a multi-make subsidiary of BMW Group - will present the BMW iX3 and MINI Countryman SE. Representatives from the Department for Transport and Sainsbury’s Smart Charge will also be on site to answer questions.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather says: “The EV revolution is here with over two million EVs now in the UK, but we want even more drivers to see the benefits of going electric, which is why we're pleased to be partnering with Sainsbury's to bring the electric experience to more communities. Today, making the switch to electric has never made more sense - drivers can save up to £1,400 a year on running costs, and 55 models are now eligible under our Electric Car Grant, which has already helped over 100,000 people save up to £3,750 off the price of a new electric car.”
Emma Williams, Director of Customer and Commercial at Smart Charge, says: "Our mission is to make ultra-rapid EV charging easy to use, reliable, rewarding and accessible for everyone. Events such as these provide a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to experience both electric vehicles and charging away from home. Combining that with a familiar and trusted brand such as Sainsbury's Smart Charge, can help instil confidence in those looking to make the switch to EV."
Caroline Sandall-Mansergh, Consultancy and Channel Development Manager for Alphabet (GB), says: “The move to electric requires a shift in mindset and the ability to channel everyone’s energy to achieve a common goal. As major vehicle leasing and fleet management provider, we are delighted to actively support the Department for Transport’s campaign to help more drivers get up close and see the tangible benefits of switching to an electric vehicle. There’s plenty in store for the future.”
James Taylor, Nissan GB Managing Director, comments: “Giving people the chance to experience electric vehicles in their everyday lives is one of the most effective ways to build confidence in the transition. By bringing Nissan’s electric models to familiar locations like Sainsbury’s, we’re making it easier for drivers to see how practical, enjoyable and accessible going electric can be. With a strong UK footprint spanning design, engineering and manufacturing, Nissan is proud to support initiatives like this that help more customers take the next step towards electrifying Britain’s roads.”
The partnership follows the launch of the Department for Transport’s Get That Electric Feeling campaign in January. The campaign supports the government’s ambition to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy and help drivers switch to electric vehicles ahead of the 2030 phase out of new petrol and diesel cars.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
