Openreach has partnered with the Sainsbury’s Smart Charge EV charging network to power its 6,000-strong electric fleet as part of a new ultra-rapid charging agreement.
The broadband firm will use the supermarket’s nationwide network to provide its engineers with access to ultra-rapid charging hubs in 80 locations throughout the country.
This deal gives access to 150kW chargers, backed by tap‑to‑pay pricing, Nectar points on every charge and 24/7 support, making it easier for engineers to keep their electric vans on the road.
Openreach now has 6,000 electric vans on the road, making it one of the UK’s largest electric fleets.
It has also installed more than 3,500 home chargers for its engineers across the country already as part of a £3m investment in charging infrastructure.
With one in three engineers unable to install a home charger, and about half of its EV drivers relying primarily on public charging, the agreement delivers a practical solution to help keep the fleet on the road.
Judy O’Keefe, director of fleet at Openreach, said, “Switching a fleet of our size to electric is a big job, and it only works if day-to-day charging is simple for our engineers – the people who are out on the road every day keeping the country connected.
“With this agreement, our engineers – particularly those who can’t install a home charger – have access to fast, reliable public charging at Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.”
Emma Williams, director of commercial & customer at Smart Charge, said, “Our ultra‑rapid hubs are easy to use and reliable, giving Openreach engineers the confidence that they can power up quickly and get back on the road in no time.”
