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 familiar Zapmap app. The payment solution, launched with a mission to simplify the EV charging payment experience 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.”
Promotion FAQs
- How long is the promotion running for?
- How do I ensure I receive the points for charging?
- Pay for your charge using the Zapmap App or charging card
- Scan the QR code on the charger screen once charging, and connect your Nectar account or enter your Nectar card number
- Spend at least £10 on a single charging session
- How does the amount I charge translate into points and pounds to spend?
- Can I use the points towards another EV charge?
- What else can I spend the points on?
You can spend your Nectar points at a variety of places, such as Sainsbury's, Argos or even converting them to Avios points for your next holiday. Find out more on the Nectar website.
Terms and conditions
Collect 250 bonus Nectar points when you add your Nectar card to your Smart Charge transaction (£10+) between 00:00:01 01/04/2026 and 23:59:59 30/04/2026 only. To qualify, you must be an Zapmap customer, paying for your Smart Charge transaction using the Zapmap App or Zapmap charging card. Offer is multi use and only available to primary Nectar card holders. To add your Nectar card number to your Smart Charge transaction, scan the QR code on the Smart Charge charging unit after you pay and add you Nectar card number on the webpage provided. Nectar points will be awarded within 28 days of the offer expiry date.
See here for full Nectar terms and conditions
