Tuesday 10 March 2020

UK’s ‘first’ all-electric forecourt under construction in Essex

The UK’s first all-electric forecourt is under construction near Braintree in Essex.

Scheduled to open in summer 2020, the facility will offer "convenient, ultra-fast, low-cost charging" for electric vehicles (EV) in order to solve charging concerns and accelerate adoption of the clean cars in the mainstream.

Developer GRIDSERVE says the site will be the first of more than 100 electric forecourts across the UK able to charge around 24 EVs at once using 350kW superchargers that offer charge times of between only 20 and 30 minutes.

It will be powered by solar energy supported by battery storage - this energy infrastructure will be constructed by GRIDSERVE, which has said it plans to have a UK-wide network of EV forecourts operational within five years.

While they charge their cars, drivers will be able to wait in a two-storey building, which will house a coffee shop, supermarket and airport-style lounge with high-speed internet and meeting rooms.

Toddington Harper, CEO and Founder of GRIDSERVE, said: “We’ve designed our electric forecourts entirely around the needs of EV 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% renenewable energy, and with the best possible charging experience.”