Gridserve begins building first of 100 ‘electric forecourts’ in the UK

Construction of ‘electric forecourt’ in Braintree, Essex, is now underway, with opening scheduled for summer

Gridserve has started construction of its first ‘electric forecourt’ – a large electric-car rapid charging hub that could offer charging speeds of up to 350kW – near Braintree in Essex. The facility is set to open in summer 2020.

The site is next to theHorizon 120 Business & Innovation Park at Great Notley. Gridserve’s plans includes 24 charging bays, a coffee shop, convenience store and an “airport-style” lounge with high-speed internet, which will also serve as an education centre and hub about electric mobility.

The site is planned to have dedicated zones for both private and fleet vehicles, such as taxis, buses, delivery vehicles and heavy goods vehicles. Drivers will be able to minimise waiting times by booking ahead via a smartphone app. The app will also facilitate journey planning and handle payment for on-site services such as the food outlets and car washes.