Nissan teams up with the Sainsbury’s Smart Charge network to celebrate World EV Day

The car manufacturer Nissan teamed up with Sainsbury’s and Autotrader to promote the benefits of electric motoring on World EV Day.

Representatives of Nissan dealerships across the country travelled to their local Sainsbury’s stores to showcase electric models supplied by the Japanese manufacturer, while at the same time drawing attention to the ultra-rapid Smart Charge network operated by the supermarket giant.

The day-long events provided Sainsbury’s customers with the opportunity to explore Nissan EVs up-close, take test-drives, and learn about the recently announced Electric Car Grant.

Dealer groups involved included Marshall, represented at Sainsbury’s Fosse Park Leicester; Chorley, who supported an event in Bamber Bridge, Preston; Ancaster, who had vehicles on display in Richmond, South-West London; and Glyn Hopkin, present at Ipswich and Stevenage.

The Smart Charge charging hubs now installed at 79 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK allow drivers to top up while they shop, turning everyday errands into efficient charging opportunities.

Experience and expertise

Smart Charge is owned and managed end-to-end by Sainsbury’s, providing 100 per cent sustainable power for all types of EVs and for all drivers.

Nissan is a manufacturer with a huge amount of experience and expertise in the sphere of electric motoring, stretching back to the launch of its LEAF model – the world’s first mass-market electric car – 15 years ago. These days, LEAF has been joined by the multi-award-winning ARIYA coupe crossover and all-electric versions of the Townstar and Interstar vans.

In a recent survey, 26 per cent of consumers cited the convenience of skipping petrol stations as a key benefit of running an EV, but 32 per cent said they were still concerned about charging times. As ultra-rapid devices, Smart Charge bays deliver power at a level of 100kW or more.

Emma Williams, Director of Customer & Commercial at Smart Charge, said: “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. We’re very grateful to Nissan and the dealer network representatives who came along to our stores to raise awareness of World EV Day.’’​

Also involved in the EV-based activities at Sainsbury’s stores was Autotrader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace. The company has reported a surge in consumer interest since the announcement of the Electric Car Grant, which supports purchases of EVs priced under £37,000.

Marc Palmer, Head of Insights at Autotrader, said: “We’ve seen the highest spike in EV demand in three years. Interest in eligible vehicles has nearly doubled, showing that financial incentives are key to consumers making the switch.”

Unmatched pedigree

A Nissan spokesperson added: ‘‘We were delighted to have been involved in the World EV Day events at Sainsbury’s stores across the UK. Our pedigree as a manufacturer of reliable, stylish and technologically advanced EVs is unmatched anywhere.

‘‘Alongside ARIYA, Townstar, Interstar and the recently unveiled All-New MICRA EV, we’re looking forward to the third-generation British-built LEAF later this year, followed by the electric JUKE in 2026.’’