GRIDSERVE : A CHARGING NETWORK TO MAINTAIN MOBILITY
GRIDSERVE : A CHARGING NETWORK TO MAINTAIN MOBILITY
The company seemingly slipped under the radar until it launched its first-ever EV charging forecourt in Braintree , UK . Since the opening of the site , the company has gone on to open further facilities across the country sharing a new way of catering for EV drivers . Its charging network , known as the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway , consists of its standalone chargers and forecourts , providing electricity from 49p / kWh to 66p / kWh .
“ We have dramatically improved the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway network , charging over 100,000 EVs every month with zero-carbon energy ,” says Clarke .
“ GRIDSERVE has improved dependability , ease of use and the availability of chargers by upgrading over 160 charging locations with new chargers , while delivering an additional eight High Power Electric Super Hubs across the motorway network , alongside building a nationwide network of Electric Forecourts .”
RECHARGING A CAR MEANS REFUELLING THE DRIVER
Referring back to the point about a mindset shift , it ’ s important for companies in the EV charging space to manage the expectations of consumers .
Supporting the Electric Highway is ABB , a major organisation in EV charging solutions as seen through its work with Formula E and in various other applications , like transport systems and home charging products .
The plan for the Electric Highway was cleared in June 2021 and involves the installation of 350kW charging stations , plus 300 rapid chargers at services along 85 % of the UK ’ s motorways . The project will also result in the construction of 100 electric forecourts across the same area . All chargers in its network are designed to make charging more intuitive and convenient for drivers , enabling payments from all major providers , including Mastercard , Visa , American Express , Apple Pay and Google Pay .
GRIDSERVE has a foothold in solar energy and uses renewable sources to power its chargers , as well as offering bidirectional charging to push energy back into the grid . The company ’ s hybrid solar solution means it contributes significantly to energy capture while holding capacity for energy storage and mass power distribution . By leveraging both sides of each solar panel , GRIDSERVE is able to capture energy directly from the sun as well as the energy bounce
EVMAGAZINE . COM [ Oct 2022 ] 55