Gridserve opens UK’s first electric forecourt
Gridserve has opened the UK’s first Electric Forecourt in Essex, representing a major breakthrough for expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the UK.
The site is the first of over 100 Electric Forecourts being built by Gridserve over the next five years. The company’s £1bn programme aims to make EV driving an enjoyable, convenient and stress-free experience.
The site enables 36 electric vehicles to be charged simultaneously, with high power chargers that can deliver up to 350 kW, enabling people to add 200 miles of range in 20 minutes. Together with Gridserve, the project has been funded by Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, Innovate UK and OZEV.
Electricity is generated from both the solar power canopies above the chargers, and a network of hybrid solar farms, also operated by Gridserve. There is also a 6 MWh battery onsite which helps to balance the local energy grid and shift energy to periods when it is more valuable.
“Charging has to be simple and free of anxiety, which is why we’ve designed our Electric Forecourts® entirely around the needs of drivers, updating the traditional petrol station model for a net-zero carbon world and delivering the confidence people need to make the switch to electric transport today – a full decade ahead of the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars,” says Toddington Harper, Founder and CEO of Gridserve.
Drivers will initially pay just 24p per kWh of energy (including VAT) – meaning a typical charge from 20% to 80% costs under £10 for an average-size electric vehicle on the market today.
The station includes a comprehensive retail space hosting “Best of British” partners including WHSmith Travel, Costa Coffee, Booths, Post Office, and Gourmade. The facility also has a waiting lounge, free superfast WiFi, high-end washrooms, dedicated kid’s area, wellbeing area with exercise bikes that generate electricity, and business meeting room pods.
