Solar-powered charging station programme unveiled

A new range of solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations is being developed for the UK’s roads.

Created by Gridserve, a green energy company, programme plans out a network of more than 100 forecourts across the country, providing charge for cars, vans and buses. Comprised of 24 individual charging bays, the installations will also feature ‘airport-style’ lounges for motorists to relax in which their cars charge up. The five-year plan is valued at more than £1 billion.

Gridserve has partnered up with EV charging company ChargePoint on the project, which looks to install high-powered 500kW chargers capable of replenishing an electric vehicle’s battery in less than 10 minutes.

Solar farms will be installed to provide the forecourts with power, and Gridserve says that charging will be priced competitively with the cost of plugging in an electric vehicle at home.

Toddington Harper, chief executive at Gridserve, said: “The latest generation of electric vehicles are awesome, and ready for mainstream adoption, but drivers still worry about if or where they can charge, how long it will take, and what it will cost.

“We plan to eliminate any range or charging anxiety by building a UK-wide network of customer-focussed, brand new Electric Forecourts that will make it easier and cheaper to use an electric vehicle than a petrol or diesel alternative.

“Within five years we plan to have more than 100 Electric Forecourts in use, with each supported by solar energy and battery storage. This infrastructure will accelerate the electric vehicle revolution, serve the grid, and help the UK meet climate and clean air targets.”

Construction of the first two sites – located in York and Hull – has already begun, and a further 80 locations have already been secured.