9th September 2019
GRIDSERVE submits first electric forecourt planning application
Alder King client GRIDSERVE has submitted a planning application to build an Electric Forecourt™ in Braintree, Essex. If approved it will be the first of over 100 sites across the UK that aim to make charging an electric vehicle (EV) as easy as using petrol stations.
Braintree Electric Forecourt®, located next to the Horizon 120 Business & Innovation Park, planned for Great Notley, will offer the world’s fastest charging rates, charging a typical EV in less than 30 minutes. It will put Braintree at the vanguard of the low-carbon transport revolution. The location of the forecourt will offer direct access to major link roads, while also capturing both regional and last mile travel for homes and businesses.
Alder King was appointed last year to identify prominent sites of between 0.8 and 1.5 acres. Sites are ideally adjacent to a main road or close to a conurbation and available for occupation for at least 30 years. Rents of up to £100,000 per acre are available for the very best sites.
Alder King’s appointment coincided with the Government’s Road to Zero Strategy which set out plans for the UK to lead the world in zero emission vehicle technology. The plans include a significant roll-out of infrastructure to support the electric vehicle revolution.
Simon Smith, lead energy partner at Alder King, said: “Sales of EVs and hybrid vehicles increased by nearly 35% last year and this trend is set to continue as all car manufacturers launch new EV models. High quality charging infrastructure that appeals to motorists’ established method of refuelling will be the fastest way to facilitate continued growth.”
Raoul Tufnell, chief development officer at GRIDSERVE, said: “Electric ForecourtsTM will democratise electric vehicle ownership by making it possible for drivers who do not have space for a charge point at their home to charge their cars at low cost at a dedicated nearby forecourt. Our Electric Forecourts™ are designed to transform users’ charging experience, giving motorists security both in the location and reliability of our infrastructure.”
Landlords who believe they have suitable sites for an Electric ForecourtTM are invited to contact Simon Smith or Hugh Collins at Alder King on 0117 317 1000.
GRIDSERVE is a rapidly expanding energy services company which has been responsible for the development, construction and operation of more than a gigawatt of solar energy and energy storage solutions, including connecting over 100 utility-scale sustainable energy projects to the UK grid over the past five years. More information is available from www.gridserve.com
