GRIDSERVE Braintree Electric Forecourt begins next-gen EV charger trials
GRIDSERVE’s Braintree Electric Forecourt has begun trials of ABB Terra 360kW-capable electric vehicle chargers.
The testing of the next generation High Power EV chargers includes an all-new charging bay that’s been designed to specifically serve long-load and light commercial electric vehicles.
The chargers, which ABB claims to be the fastest electric car charger in the world, has the ability to add around 62 miles of range in three minutes or fully charge an electric car in less than 15 minutes.
Two vehicles will be able to plug in and charge simultaneously, thanks to the chargers’ dynamic dual-charging, which will distribute the power between both vehicles.
GRIDSERVE also revealed that the design of each charger has been revamped in order to make the units more user-friendly. LED lighting will now reveal when a charger is available or in use, a new pulley system ensures the retractable 5m charging cable is manoeuvrable and keeps pathways clear, while enlarged digital screens will provide all your EV charging information.
The addition of a second, portrait-shaped screen will also be able to showcase further developments of GRIDSERVE’s network, such as the latest Electric Forecourt in construction at Gatwick, or its proposal to build a Solar Electric Forecourt in Hartlepool.
The software and service design is now open to the public and usage is being monitored. If successful, the plan is to have these chargers and more super-long EV charging bays rolled out across the Electric Highway.
Toddington Harper, CEO of Gridserve said: “It is fantastic to have the UK’s first 360kW capable charger open to the public at Braintree Electric Forecourt. By installing this latest innovation now, we are offering state of the art charging technology to our customers.
“We’ve listened to driver feedback that our towing customers needed additional space to charge without decoupling and this new charger installation has given us the opportunity to provide that charging area at Braintree Electric Forecourt.
“Gridserve is committed to providing the best charging experience for all EV drivers and we hope to support more drivers in making the switch to electric vehicles.”
