Work is underway at first ultra-rapid EV charging hub – based at Braintree, Essex – with the Electric Forecourt due to open this summer. Capable of charging up to 24 vehicles at the same time and offering 350 kW ultra-rapid charge points.
The site will include a two-storey building, due to house a facilities such as a coffee shop, mini supermarket, and airport-style lounge with meeting rooms, for drivers whilst they wait. The intention is for the hub to also act as an education centre for electric vehicles and sustainable energy.

Power for the sites will be from solar panels and from solar farms, with battery storage technology on site able to balance load and maintain supply.

The Braintree hub is one of more than 100 planned similar sites around the country. All sites are along busy routes and near grid connections to urban centres and transport centres. Plans are to have a UK-wide network in place within five years.

With increased tax savings on EV’s and improved infrastructure for charging with over 30,000 public charging points, take a look at the electric vehicles available through the Car Benefit Scheme.

The forecourt is in part being paid for by a £4.86m grant from the government.