Britons urged to make use of Sainsbury's Nectar card changes to help drivers 'reap the benefits' of points

All Smart Charge customers with active Nectar accounts will be able to charge their vehicles and collect Nectar points from the end of June.

When using ultra-rapid charging devices, drivers will be able to collect one Nectar point for every pound they spend while waiting for their vehicle to recharge.

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Motorists who do not have a Nectar card have been urged to get one as soon as possible so they can collect points to use at brands including Sainsbury's, Argos and British Airways.

The Smart Charge network has more than 400 charging bays across the UK, with plans to expand the infrastructure further around the country.

It comes as Sainsbury's launches its 50th Smart Charge EV location, with 12 new bays available at its London Enfield Superstore off the A10.

So far, drivers have supported Sainsbury's scheme by racking up more than 65,000 hours of charging, with the ultra-rapid chargers making use of 100 per cent renewable energy.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement and EV ventures, said the latest opening of Smart Charge bays was a "huge milestone" for the supermarket.

He also praised the integration of Nectar points, with the EV charging company becoming the first provider to offer customer loyalty benefits.

Dunne added: "Rolling out across June, 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."

Dunne added that the Enfield store, which became the 50th charging location, was a "fantastic location" given its proximity to residential homes and main roads.

Smart Charge is also the first and only EV charging business to be fully owned and managed end-to-end by a UK supermarket.

According to data from Zapmap, there are more than 62,500 public chargers across the UK with almost 33,000 locations, including 12,249 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers.

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It is estimated that the UK will install the 100,000th charging device next year, with a national goal of installing 300,000 chargers before the end of the decade.

In its latest manifesto pledge, Labour said it would review targets and look to rapidly increase the number of electric vehicle chargers located around the UK.