Gridserve and Extra have opened their first ultra-rapid EV charging station at Beaconsfield Services on the M40.

Alongside Gridserve’s existing six 50kW-capable charging bays for CCS and CHAdeMO-equipped vehicles, the new Super Hub adds a further 12 super-fast bays with 400kW-capable chargers that are fitted exclusively with CCS connectors.

It’s the first of seven all-new Super Hub s that will open within the next 12 months, supporting a nationwide effort to transform the speed, reliability and convenience of charging facilities for EV drivers on some of the busiest travel corridors.

All of the Gridserve chargers at Extra Beaconsfield are available 24/7 and are powered by 100% net zero carbon energy.

In a first for the Gridserve Electric Highway, the Super Hub at Extra Beaconsfield introduces Alpitronic’s HYC400, a DC charger capable of delivering up to 400kW. Its introduction is seen as a significant step forward in Gridserve’s mission to deliver the fastest, most reliable and most convenient EV charging experience in the country.

The HYC400 has an efficiency rating up to 97.5% and features dynamic power sharing, meaning that the full 400kW can be shared between two vehicles charging simultaneously, depending on their charging needs.

Rebecca Trebble, Gridserve’s chief customer officer, said the new Super Hub would deliver “the best possible EV charging experience for customers in an ever-evolving market”.

“We also hope customers enjoy the Alpitronic HYC400 chargers, which remain plug-in-and-pay simple while offering best-in-class charging speeds,” she added.

Tom Dobson, CEO of Extra MSA, said: “Ultra-rapid charging is now a critical part of the motorway services experience, and this site ensures EV drivers travelling on the M40 can recharge quickly, reliably and conveniently. We look forward to welcoming customers to many more Super Hubs as our partnership with Gridserve continues to grow.”