Gridserve starts work on fifth Electric Forecourt
Gridserve has begun construction on its latest EV charging superhub, near Markham Vale in Derbyshire.
The recent groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of work on the Markham Vale Electric Forecourt – the firm’s fifth such site – which is due to open in winter 2024.
Gridserve’s Electric Forecourts are purpose-built locations designed to provide a bespoke EV charging experience, with dozens of high-powered chargers and modern service station facilities.
The Markham Vale site, located near Junction 29A of the M1, will have 30 chargers capable of delivering up to 360kW, with multiple connectors to cater for all types of electric vehicles. All the charging devices will accept contactless payment to make the process even easier and the site will be powered by net zero carbon energy.
On-site facilities will include a range of shops, a comfortable waiting lounge with free superfast wifi, a children’s play area and a dedicated EV educational space. The Electric Forecourt will include disabled parking, access ramps, accessible washrooms and lifts to all areas, making easy charging accessible to all.
Rebecca Trebble, Gridserve’s chief customer experience officer, said: “We are happy to keep the momentum going with our award-winning Electric Forecourts following the successful opening of London Gatwick Electric Forecourt.
“We have found with our Electric Forecourt sites that they serve as an excellent hub for the local community and can help with the uptake of electric vehicles. Electric Forecourts offer the best charging and retail experience available and we can’t wait to welcome new and returning customers to Markham Vale.”
Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for clean growth and regeneration, said: “Gridserve’s new Electric Forecourt will be a great addition to Markham Vale right next to the M1 motorway. It will help to give motorists the confidence to make the switch to an electric vehicle and move us closer to our target of getting hundreds more public facing electric vehicle charge points in place throughout the county.”
Gridserve’s Electric Highway, which also incorporates the UK’s existing motorway service station network, now has over 175 locations with more than 1,200 charging bays. In the first three months of 2024 it has opened 11 new locations with 90 charging bays.
