Sainsbury's EV charging cost
Quick answer
Ultra-rapid (150kW)
Up to 79p per kWh
7kW and 22kW
Up to 49p per kWh
How to pay
Contactless
Sainsbury's runs its own charging network, Smart Charge, with more than 650 bays at over 75 stores. Most are 150kW ultra-rapid chargers, which can take many cars to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Ultra-rapid charging costs up to 79p per kWh, and slower 7kW and 22kW chargers up to 49p. You don't need an app: just tap a contactless card. Add your Nectar card number to earn points, and at some stores Nectar Prices make charging cheaper.
How to charge at Sainsbury's
- Plug in and tap a contactless debit or credit card on the reader. No app or account is needed.
- Add your Nectar card number on the charger screen if you want points.
- Expect a £40 pre-authorisation on your card for ultra-rapid sessions. You're only charged for the energy you use.
- You can also pay with an EV charge card or apps such as Octopus Electroverse, Plugsurfing or Allstar.
Nectar points and Nectar Prices
You earn one Nectar point for every £1 you spend on charging. A full ultra-rapid charge adding 36 kWh at 79p costs £28.44, which earns 28 points.
At around 27 stores, Smart Charge also offers cheaper Nectar Prices when you pay by card and add your Nectar number. Check the Smart Charge website for the current list of stores and prices.
How Sainsbury's compares
| Network | Run by | Rapid, per kWh | Slower chargers, per kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesco | Pod Point | 69p | 44p (7kW) |
| Aldi | Drax | 62p | 40p (up to 22kW) |
| Lidl | Lidl | 59p with Lidl Plus, 74p without | – |
| Morrisons | MFG EV Power | 79p | – |
| Asda | evpoint, GeniePoint | 65p to 83p | – |
| Sainsbury's | Smart Charge | Up to 79p | Up to 49p |
| Pod Point | Pod | 62p to 69p | 44p to 49p |
| Tesla Supercharger | Tesla | 35p to 60p (non-members) | – |
| Shell Recharge | Shell | 64p to 79p (app), 74p to 89p (contactless) | 54p to 79p |
| BP Pulse | BP | 79p to 93p (63p to 74p with subscription) | 65p (7kW) |
| InstaVolt | InstaVolt | 92p (55p off-peak in the app) | – |
Prices per kWh, checked 23 October 2026. Sources for each network are on its own page. For comparison, charging at home costs 26.32p per kWh on the price cap, or 6.5p to 9.5p on an overnight EV tariff.
Common questions
How much does it cost to charge at Sainsbury's?
Ultra-rapid charging on Smart Charge costs up to 79p per kWh. Slower 7kW and 22kW chargers cost up to 49p per kWh.
Do I need an app to charge at Sainsbury's?
No. Smart Charge chargers take contactless cards. You can also use an EV charge card or partner apps like Octopus Electroverse.
Do I get Nectar points for charging?
Yes. You earn one Nectar point per £1 when you add your Nectar card number, and some stores have cheaper Nectar Prices.
Is Sainsbury's cheaper than Tesco?
Not usually. Smart Charge's ultra-rapid rate of up to 79p per kWh is higher than Tesco's 69p, though its 150kW chargers are faster than most at Tesco.
Sources
Prices, payment, Nectar details and charger speeds from Smart Charge. Number of stores and bays as reported by BestChargers (May 2026). 79p rate confirmed by Zapmap (September 2026 prices). Motormaths is not affiliated with Sainsbury's. Prices can change, so check the charger or app before you plug in.