Skip advert
Advertisement

Over 100 electric car rapid charging hubs to be rolled out across the UK

Gridserve is rolling out more than 100 of its new Electric Forecourts to key locations around the country, with the first coming this summer

More than 100 new rapid charging hubs for electric cars are to be rolled out across the UK, with the first launching this summer.

The first Electric Forecourt – developed by sustainable energy firm Gridserve – will open near Braintree, Essex later this year. It will offer 24 EV superchargers, offering charging speeds of up to 350kW.

The Electric Forecourts - which are to be built on busy routes and near powerful grid connections close to towns, cities and major transport hubs - will be powered by renewable energy derived from solar panels and other battery storage projects.

To pass the time while their cars are charging – a full top-up takes roughly 30 minutes for current EVs with rapid charging capability – drivers will be able to make use of a two-storey building on site with a coffee shop, supermarket, high-speed internet and everything else you would expect to find at a service station.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In addition, the building will feature an education centre, providing information about electric vehicles and sustainable energy, with the aim of improving consumer confidence in such technologies.

Gridserve is in talks with local authorities around the UK and aims to have a 100-strong network of Electric Forecourts operational within five years, with several more sites expected to begin construction before the end of 2020.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The first site is being built on a 2.5-acre site adjacent to Great Notley, just off the A131, and is supported by a £4.86 million grant from Innovate UK. It has links to Stansted Airport, Chelmsford, Colchester and the M11.

James Cleverly, Minister of State and MP for Braintree, commented: “Our Government is committed to increasing the take-up of electric vehicles to clean our air and enable us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Gridserve’s Electric Forecourt, close to Braintree, is pioneering the world-class charging infrastructure that we need to support our policies and will inspire people in towns and cities throughout the country to have the confidence to make the move to sustainable transport”.

Toddington Harper, CEO and founder of Gridserve, added: “We’ve designed our Electric Forecourts entirely around the needs of electric vehicle drivers, updating the petrol station model for a net-zero carbon future. Many more people want to buy electric vehicles but are worried about how to charge them. We will help solve that challenge and deliver the confidence needed to make the switch to electric transport.

“This will be the most advanced charging facility in the UK and possibly the world. Drivers will be able to turn up and charge their vehicle at the fastest rate each vehicle can support, using 100 per cent renewable energy, and with the best possible charging experience.”

Confused about how to charge an electric car? Head over to our sister site DrivingElectric to find out more...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025