Electric dreams

DECEMBER 2020

The UK's first all-electric car charging forecourt opened this week, sourcing clean energy from overhead solar canopies and a solar farm in Bedfordshire. The site’s super-fast 24 charging points allow consumers to charge their vehicle in under 30 minutes for less than £10, giving enough juice to drive 200 miles. 

It's the first of around 100 electric forecourts using 100% renewable energy that operating company Gridserve plans to build over next five years. The next two sites for electric forecourts in Uckfield & Norwich East already have planning permission, and Gridserve is also advancing plans to build solar farms next to many of the forecourts to supply electricity.

From a branding perspective, it’s interesting that Gridserve is focusing on turning the chore of powering your car into a broader customer experience. Forecourts will feature super-fast wifi and a range of shops, with some offering business meeting pods, children’s play centres and wellbeing areas with exercise bikes that generate electricity, keeping customers occupied while their cars are being charged.

Read more here.