A new Electric Forecourt said to be one of the most advanced EV charging facilities in the world has been opened by Gridserve in Norwich.

The site hosts 36 chargers with up to 350kW of power; the fastest chargers commercially available today and capable of adding up to 100 miles of range in only five minutes

The site hosts 36 chargers with up to 350kW of power – the fastest chargers commercially available today and capable of adding up to 100 miles of range in only five minutes – and is also supplied by 100% renewable energy.

It’s the second of Gridserve’s planned network of over 100 Electric Forecourts due to open near towns, cities and major transport routes across the UK as part of the company’s £1bn investment in UK EV charging infrastructure. The company opened its first Electric Forecourt in Braintree, Essex in 2020.

Toddington Harper, CEO of Gridserve, said: “This decade is crucial for climate action and it’s vital that we deliver the solutions that will move the needle on climate change. The widespread transition to electric vehicles, powered by sustainable energy, is a key part of what’s needed. Giving drivers the confidence to switch to an electric vehicle and enabling a widespread transition away from fossil fuel vehicles is a central aim of our Electric Forecourts.”

Providing a blueprint for other sites, the Norwich site is Gridserve’s first Compact Electric Forecourt, using a smaller footprint, and designed as an EV experience destination, where visitors without electric cars can find out more about them, and chat with impartial EV Gurus about charging or vehicle leasing options, whilst enjoying well-known brands including Costa Coffee, M&S Food, and WHSmith, along with super-fast WIFI and bookable meeting pods.

The site will also expand in the coming weeks to include test drives of electric cars from the biggest brands, thanks to Gridserve Car Leasing.

The new site more than doubles the number of high-powered chargers in the region and launches as the city assesses the viability of a zero-emission zone, supported by government funding.

Toddington Harper added: “Norwich Electric Forecourt showcases a brand-new design, where we have been able to provide both charging and a great customer experience in a smaller footprint than our first site at Braintree. By elevating the facilities above the chargers, we make the best use of the space available and are able to deliver a great EV experience without compromise, even when space is at a premium and sites are more constrained.”

Gridserve is also accelerating its rollout plans for other Electric Forecourts, with additional sites now in progress, including one at Gatwick Airport. Several Electric Forecourts also have planning permission, including Uckfield, Gateshead, Plymouth and Stevenage, and more than 30 additional sites are also under development as part of the company’s commitment to deliver over 100 Electric Forecourts.

To celebrate the launch of the Norwich Electric Forecourt, Gridserve is also now offering 1000 miles of free charging for every car that it leases until the end of June. Terms and conditions apply.