Gridserve has installed what it reports to be the UK’s fastest car charger for public use at Braintree Electric Forecourt®, in Essex. Capable of delivering a maximum output of up to 360 kW, it can add an approximate 100 miles in less than 5 minutes (depending on vehicle model and charging capacity). 
 

The charger is suitable for all types of EVs, featuring two combined charging system (CCS) connectors with long cables, contactless payment and easy access for wheelchair users. Its positioning also allows for HGVs and cars towing caravans to charge with ease. 
 

The ABB Terra 360 kW charger has been installed as part of a trial which, if successful, could see it rolled out at Electric Forecourts and Electric Super Hubs on the Gridserve Electric Highway. Supplied by net zero carbon energy, the Gridserve Electric Highway is a national public charging infrastructure covering 85% of the UK’s motorway service areas and some of the country’s busiest retail destinations. Its Super Hubs are equipped with 6–12 chargers, including 350 kW high power units. 
 

Braintree Electric Forecourt is now able to charge 36 EVs simultaneously. The location is an ‘EV experience destination’ explains Gridserve, featuring on-site facilities and retail offerings, and also allowing visitors to test drive the latest EVs, investigate deals from the company’s car leasing platform and find out more about living with and charging an electric car. 
 

Gridserve is planning to deliver over 100 Electric Forecourts in the UK. Along with those already opened in Braintree and Norwich, construction has now begun at London Gatwick Airport, which is due to open in 2023. The next sites include Stevenage, Gateshead and Uckfield, with planning permission also granted for Electric Forecourts in Bromborough, Plymouth and Markham Vale. 
 

Octopus EV infrastructure investment 
Meanwhile, Octopus Energy Generation is making its first investment in the UK’s EV charging infrastructure, earmarking up to £110mn in Manchester-based EV public charging network Be.EV to scale and install new charge points across the UK. Some 1,000 new EV charging points are to be installed by 2024, starting in the north of England, expanding Be.EV’s network by over 600%. 
 

Octopus Energy already supplies all of Be.EV chargers with 100% green electricity.

Commenting on the news, Matt Setchell, co-head of Octopus Energy Generation’s fund management team, says: ‘Our first foray into funding EV charging infrastructure is a significant milestone. We’re accelerating the green energy transition, with more deals coming up to turbocharge it. As a nation, we need to rapidly build more EV charge points to meet the growing number of drivers going electric. Easy and fair access to chargers will help phase out petrol-guzzling cars once and for all.’ 
 

Asif Ghafoor, CEO and co-founder of Be.EV, adds: ‘Everybody, not just the wealthy, must be able to make the switch to electric cars, but currently people who live outside London or in less affluent areas are underserved by public EV charging. If you live in a flat or terrace, you can’t charge at home. This investment addresses that imbalance and helps kickstart a national infrastructure effort that, for once, doesn’t start in London.’  
 

Octopus Energy Generation is investing up to £110mn in Be.EV, expanding the company’s public EV charging network by over 600%

Photo: Octopus Energy/Be.EV