Gridserve has opened its fifth and most advanced Electric Forecourt at Markham Vale, designed to meet the rapidly growing demand for EV charging.

Located at Junction 29A of the M1, the flagship site is the brand’s largest EV charging station to date and is purpose-built to serve local communities, businesses, fleet operators, commuters and long-distance travellers.

The site features 39 ultra-rapid charging bays that include 36 charging bays for passenger vehicles, plus three drive-through bays designed specifically for larger vehicles, including electric HGVs, coaches, vans and vehicles towing caravans or trailers.

It also has three dedicated accessible charging bays conveniently located to the main entrance, helping to ensure that charging is just as straightforward and convenient for drivers with disabilities.

Each bay is equipped with ABB’s latest 400kW-capable charging units, making Markham Vale one of the most powerful public charging locations in Europe. Thanks to an all-new grid connection, it means the latest electric vehicles, such as the BMW iX3 50, can add more than 200 miles of range in less than 10 minutes.

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 Gridserve app and other major navigation platforms, including Zapmap, helping drivers plan journeys with confidence.

As with all Electric Super Hubs on the Gridserve Electric Highway, the chargers are powered by 100% net zero energy. The retail facility, suspended above the main charging area, is also powered by 138 rooftop-mounted 455W solar panels and leverages rainwater harvesting to reduce mains water usage, reflecting Gridserve’s commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure without compromising on performance or convenience.

From launch, visitors have access to free superfast Wi-Fi and premium lounge facilities, alongside a Costa Coffee shop and Little Fresh convenience store. Expert staff will be on hand to support all charging needs as well as offer impartial advice to both experienced EV drivers and those considering making the switch.

During summer, the building is open to all drivers from 06:00 – 21:00, seven days a week, while the charging facilities operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The opening of Markham Vale further expands Gridserve’s nationwide charging network which now covers more than 200 locations across the UK’s motorways and most popular A-roads.

Rebecca Trebble, chief customer officer at Gridserve, said: “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.”