Sainsbury’s teams with Autotrader and Smart Charge to offer shoppers electric vehicle test drives

Sainsbury’s celebrated World EV Day by teaming up with Autotrader and its ultra-rapid EV charging network Smart Charge to offer its customers a chance to test drive EVs, practice charging and learn more about the Electric Car Grant.

The offer was provided to shoppers at the grocery giant’s busiest charging stations at superstores in Bamber Bridge, Warren Heath, Coreys Mill, Richmond and Fosse Park. 

Consumers already using EVs were also given 1,000 Nectar points when charging at a participating Smart Charge hub on World EV Day. 

Emma Williams, Director of Customer & Commercial at Smart Charge, says: “We’re not just installing chargers, we’re creating experiences. By integrating EVs into the daily lives of shoppers, we’re helping people see how seamlessly electric vehicles can fit into their routines.”

Autotrader claims to have seen a spike in consumer interest in electric vehicles since the Electric Car Grant was announced, which offers support for purchases of vehicles priced under £37,000 in a bid to make the vehicles a more affordable choice for consumers.

Marc Palmer, Head of Insights at Autotrader, adds:  “Interest in eligible vehicles has nearly doubled, showing that financial incentives supporting greater affordability is key to consumers making the switch.”

Earlier this year, Smart Charge announced it had saved the equivalent of 60 million fossil fuel miles on UK roads, resulting in a reduction of 10.71 million kg of CO2 emissions compared to non-electric vehicles.  

Sainsbury’s launched the Smart Charge brand in January 2024 and says that the success of its uptake by EV drivers reflects the scale and pace of the roll-out, with more than 650 ultra-rapid charging bays now live across over 75 of its stores nationwide.  

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.