Sainsbury's opens UK Smart Charge network to Openreach engineers

Sainsbury's has granted Openreach engineers access to its Smart Charge electric vehicle network across the UK, according to ISPreview UK. The arrangement allows field engineers from the broadband infrastructure operator to use charging points at Sainsbury's stores while on duty. The move expands access to the supermarket's existing charging estate for commercial fleet users.

Why it matters: The partnership demonstrates how retail charge point operators can unlock additional utilisation and revenue by opening networks to corporate fleets, a model that may appeal to other CPOs seeking to maximise asset returns during off peak hours.