UK-based EV charging company Gridserve said today that the first of a nationwide network of over 100 Electric Forecourts is now under construction and will open this summer, offering convenient, ultra-fast, low-cost charging, with an outstanding customer experience.
The Electric Forecourt near Braintree, Essex, can charge 24 electric vehicles at once with superchargers that can deliver up to 350kW of charging power, enabling people to charge vehicles within 20-30 minutes initially, and much faster in the future as battery technologies mature.
The network of Electric Forecourts will be powered by clean, zero carbon solar energy and battery storage projects, also constructed by Gridserve, ensuring carbon emission targets can be met, whilst also keeping prices low.
There is to be a variety of facilities at the Braintree site, including a coffee shop, convenience supermarket and airport-style lounge with high-speed internet and meeting rooms inside a two story building.
The project has been partly funded by a £4.86m grant from Innovate UK, a government-backed agency that offers financial support to UK-based technology developers.
Toddington Harper, CEO of Gridserve, said: “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% renewable energy, and with the best possible charging experience.”
