GRIDSERVE and Roadchef have unveiled plans to deploy a minimum of six 350kW-capable electric vehicle (EV) charge points at each Roadchef Motorway Service Area (MSA) across the UK.
The first two 'Electric Super Hubs' are already operational at Watford Gap North and South on the M1 motorway. Additional locations, including Annandale Water (A74(M)), Bothwell (M74), Chester (M56), and Sandbach (M6), are scheduled to open soon.
This project involves the construction of more than 50 charge points across these six sites to meet the increasing demand for EV charging in the UK.
48 of the new charge points will be strategically positioned to facilitate long-distance travel, while six 7kW AC chargers will cater to guests at the new Chester Services Super 8 Hotel, offering convenient overnight charging options.
Roadchef has said it intends to build shelters over the charge points during the second phase of development, to offer drivers protection and comfort from inclement weather.
GRIDSERVE is a Zapmap Live data partner, the live status and availability of all its charge points is available via the Zapmap app or web map, making the choice of where to charge your EV even easier.
“The 18 High Power chargers at Watford Gap are a very welcome addition on the M1, and it’s great to see the new Scottish Electric Super Hubs at Annandale Water and Bothwell beginning to take shape, supporting EV journeys in and around Scotland,” said Toddington Harper, CEO of GRIDSERVE.
“2023 marks a year of rapid growth for the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, and these new locations are vital to give drivers the range and charging confidence on their journeys throughout the UK.”
GRIDSERVE charge points are powered by 100% net-zero carbon energy, sourced from GRIDSERVE’s hybrid solar and battery farms, aligning with their commitment to combat climate change.
“At Roadchef, our ambition is to achieve net zero by 2040,” said Paul Comer, Director of EV implementation at Roadchef.
“While as an MSA, it’s our responsibility to make sure the infrastructure is in place ahead of 2030 when the government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, this investment also goes a long way to deliver on our sustainability goals and certify our environmental, social and governance (ESG) achievements.
“As more people travel on the roads, and the majority will be in EVs, it’s essential for our facilities to be expanded and upgraded to meet the demand.
“We always strive to deliver on customer satisfaction at Roadchef and we’re certain the developments we have in the pipeline will provide motorists with the facilities they need to have a comfortable stop while they charge.”
