Gridserve opens its largest EV charging station to date
Resembling a miniature motorway service station, Gridserve’s new Markham Vale Electric Forecourt is located at Junction 29A of the M1 – where the company says it is “at the heart of the East Midlands strategic road network”. The facility features 39 rapid charging bays, 36 of which are for passenger EVs and three of which are for larger vehicles like electric HGVs, coaches, vans, or tow vehicles. It also includes three ‘accessible’ charging bays at the main entrance to support drivers with disabilities.
According to Gridserve, each charging bay features a 400kW charging tower from ABB – hardware it says makes “Markham Vale one of the most powerful public charging locations in Europe”. This has been supported by a new grid connection. Each charger is said to be powered by “100 per cent net zero” energy, supplemented by 138 rooftop 455W solar panels; the facility also uses rainwater harvesting to reduce mains water usage.
One of the quirks of the site is that it goes beyond merely offering charging infrastructure; it also incorporates a retail building that includes a Costa Coffee, a convenience store, lounge facilities, free Wi-Fi, and even co-working and meeting spaces. Gridserve has confirmed that the building is open from 6AM to 9PM every day, while the charging bays are operational 24 hours a day year-round.
Ross Watson, General Manager at Markham Vale, said: “This latest site brings a world class facility and an entirely new scale of charging provision to the region. As electric transport continues to expand across every sector, the site has been designed to support the next generation of mobility from day one. We’re excited to open our doors and welcome visitors, whether they’re GRIDSERVE regulars, charging for the first time or just EV curious. We’re here to demonstrate that the future is here and the future is electric.”
The new facility brings the total size of Gridserve’s UK charging network up to more than 200 locations. The company states that Zap Map has recognised it as the UK’s “most used” public EV charging network.
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