The first of a UK-wide network of 100+ EV forecourts is now under construction and will open this summer.
Sustainable energy infrastructure developer Gridserve’s first Electric Forecourt, a 2.5-acre site located just off the A131, near Braintree, Essex, can reportedly charge up to 24 EVs simultaneously with superchargers that can deliver up to 350kW of charging power.
According to Gridserve, this will enable people to charge vehicles within 20-30 minutes initially, and faster in future as battery technologies mature.
The two-storey facility will also offer a coffee shop, convenience supermarket and airport-style lounge with high-speed internet and meeting rooms.
Toddington Harper, CEO and founder of Gridserve, said: “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.”
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.
Gridserve’s network of Electric Forecourts will be powered by zero-carbon solar energy and battery storage projects, also constructed by the company, to help ensure “carbon emission targets can be met, whilst also keeping prices low”.
Gridserve’s work to date includes the installation of a 34.7MWp solar farm at York with bifacial panels, sun trackers, and a 30MWh battery, and a 25.7MWp project at Hull using similar technologies.
The company said it plans to develop Electric Forecourts at both sites powered by the solar produced on site.
It is also targeting locations that are near busy roads, towns, cities and major transport hubs.
Other locations in the network have yet to be announced, with Gridserve currently in discussions with a number of local authorities around the UK.
It said several sites should be in the construction stage with more into planning by the end of this year.
