Gridserve has installed a 360kW electric charger at its Braintree Electric Forecourt, said to be the UK’s fastest car charger for public usage.

The brand-new ABB charger can add around 100 miles of range in less than five minutes for compatible vehicles

The brand-new ABB charger can add around 100 miles of range in less than five minutes for compatible vehicles. It also features two CCS connectors with long cables, contactless payment and easy access for wheelchair users – while its positioning at the site means HGV and van drivers can easily access charging.

The new technology is being trialled with a view to rolling it out at Gridserve’s Electric Forecourts and Electric Super Hubs.

It’s the latest addition to the Braintree site, which opened in summer 2020 and can now enable 36 EVs to be charged simultaneously. The facility has been designed as an “EV experience destination” and visitors can test-drive the latest EVs, investigate deals from Gridserve Car Leasing and find out more about living with and charging electric cars, as well as accessing on-site facilities and retail offerings.

The site’s extensive facilities are already being embraced by drivers – it was the fifth most popular EV charging location in England, according to data from Zap-Map for Q2 2022.

Toddington Harper, Gridserve CEO, said: “It is fantastic to have the UK’s first 360kW-capable charger open to the public at Braintree Electric Forecourt. By installing this latest innovation now, we are offering state-of-the-art charging technology to our customers.

“Gridserve is committed to providing the best charging experience for all EV drivers and we hope to support more drivers in making the switch to electric vehicles.”

The charging specialist is working to deliver over 100 Electric Forecourts. Along with those already opened in Braintree and Norwich, construction has now begun on a site at Gatwick Airport, due to open in 2023. This will be followed by locations at Stevenage, Gateshead and Uckfield, while planning permission has also been granted for Electric Forecourts in Bromborough, Plymouth and Markham Vale.