Gridserve has opened its largest and “most advanced” all-electric forecourt at Markham Vale on the M1 in Derbyshire.
The flagship site, at junction 29A, brings its “super hub” EV network to five.
It has 39 ultra-rapid charging bays with each ABB-supplied plug-in delivering up to 400kW. These include three drive-through bays for heavy goods vehicles, coaches, vans, and vehicles towing caravans or trailers. It also has three dedicated accessible charging bays near the entrance.
As with its other electric super hubs – a format launched in Braintree, Essex, five years ago – the chargers are powered 100% by net zero energy, according to the chargepoint operator. Customers have the option of paying via contactless payment cards, the Gridserve app, or a range of third-party business roaming partners. Live charger availability is also integrated into the app and other major navigation platforms, including Zapmap.
The retail facility, above the main charging area, is powered by 138 rooftop-mounted 455W solar panels, and uses rainwater harvesting to reduce mains water reliance, reflecting, the company says, its commitment to “to delivering sustainable infrastructure without compromising on performance or convenience”.
Visitors have access to free superfast wi-fi and lounge, alongside a Costa Coffee shop and Little Fresh convenience store: open during summer from 6am to 9pm, seven days a week.
Rebecca Trebble, Gridserve’s chief customer officer, says that the development reflects the latest demands for EV charging. “Today’s drivers expect charging to be superfast, reliable and convenient and that’s exactly what this site delivers.
”We’ve created a destination capable of serving everyone from local drivers and families travelling across the country to commercial fleets and logistics operators electrifying their operations,” she says.
Gridserve’s nationwide charging network now covers more than 200 locations across the UK’s motorways and A-roads.
