EV drivers around the UK could benefit from a new partnership delivering a simplified payment experience and boosted loyalty points when they charge. The partnership, between Smart Charge, Sainsbury’s Ultra-rapid charging network, and Zapmap, means that Zapmap users can now pay for charging quickly and easily via the Zapmap app or charging card at over 80 Sainsbury’s locations.
In addition, EV drivers will get 250 Bonus Nectar points per charge throughout April when they pay for their Smart Charge charging session via Zapmap.
Smart Charge joins over 80,000 other EV chargers across 45+ networks already integrated into the Zapmap payment solution, spanning on-street, destination and en-route charge points, with more being integrated all the time.
Zapmap users can add a credit or debit card and use it to pay for EV charging, or use the Zapmap charging card, providing a simple way to pay across networks from within the Zapmap app. The payment solution, launched with a mission to simplify EV charging payment across all the key charging networks across the UK, means drivers can avoid having to use different payment methods across various charge point operators.
Drivers paying with Zapmap are also able to view their charging history, receive live status updates and download receipts to track their spending. They can also use both Apple Pay and Google Pay on all devices that accept payment through Zapmap.
EV drivers voted Smart Charge the Best EV charging network 2025* in the ‘Medium Rapid / Ultra-rapid network’ category of Zapmap’s most recent annual driver satisfaction rankings, with survey respondents scoring the network particularly highly for reliability and ease of use.
Analysis conducted by Zapmap in the second half of 2025** showed that EV charging provision at supermarkets increased by a third over the preceding 18 months, with Sainsbury’s showing the second highest growth at over 40%. Zapmap’s annual driver satisfaction survey also showed that supermarkets continue to be one of the most popular places for EV drivers to charge, with over one-in-three respondents choosing to regularly make use of EV chargers in supermarket car parks.
Commenting on the new partnership Emma Williams, Director of Commercial & Customer at Smart Charge said, “We’re excited to bring Smart Charge into the Zapmap payment ecosystem, making it even easier for EV drivers to access ultra-rapid, reliable and rewarding charging at Sainsbury’s. Convenience is at the heart of what we do, and this partnership gives drivers a seamless way to pay for their charge while earning extra Nectar points along the way.”
Matt Lloyd, Head of CPO Networks at Zapmap, said, “We’re delighted to integrate Smart Charge into Zapmap’s pay functionality, delivering straightforward and accessible payment at a network that we know is a popular and reliable choice with the Zapmap community of EV drivers. Added Nectar points provide real value to drivers and we’re looking forward to finding more ways to reward Zapmap app users in future.”
*Best EV charging networks UK 2025: Zapmap driver satisfaction rankings revealed
** EV charge points at supermarkets increase by a third in 18 months
