Sainsbury's Nectar card offer could see electric car drivers benefit from triple points in limited-time deal

The Smart Charge network is comprised of more than 400 charging bays, across 50 different locations, with plans to rapidly increase its EV offering across the UK in the coming years.

Between Monday, June 24 and Saturday, August 31, Sainsbury’s customers can collect three times more Nectar points on Smart Charge transactions when they add their Nectar account number before purchase.

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Drivers will simply need to scan the QR code on the Smart Charge charging unit after they pay and add their Nectar card number on the web page provided.

The additional points will then be added to the account of the electric vehicle owner and customer once they have completed the transaction.

Following the end of the limited scheme, Smart Charge customers with active Nectar accounts will still be able to charge their electric vehicle and collect Nectar points.

For every £1 they spend, they will collect one Nectar point, with EV drivers able to spend their points at the supermarket or at partner services like Argos and British Airways.

The Smart Charge network covers most of the UK, including Plymouth in the east, Thanet in the west and Glasgow and Edinburgh in the north.

Sainsbury's frequently updates its website with sites that are due to open in the near future, with drivers being able to search for the nearest hub near them.

Future charging stations include Bournemouth, Chichester, Stockport, Tamworth, Edinburgh, Ipswich and Chelmsford.

The ultra-rapid 150kW charging devices are powered entirely with renewable energy, with Sainsbury's taking steps to ensure it cuts emissions across its network.

Drivers will be relieved to also see that the 150kW chargers can provide up to 80 per cent charge in as little as 30 minutes.

The ultra-rapid charging service has a maximum rate of 75p per kWh, with drivers not required to have a separate subscription to use the chargers.

Drivers may see a £60 charge if their bank temporarily holds a pre-authorisation charge, although this will be almost immediately returned once the session is over.

Speaking previously, Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Director of Property, Procurement and EV Ventures, said: "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.

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“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."