Gridserve installs UK’s fastest electric vehicle charger

Gridserve has installed a 360kW charger, capable of adding 100 miles to an electric vehicle (EV) in less than five minutes, at its Braintree Electric Forecourt.

The ABB Terra 360 charger is being trialled by Gridserve and, if successful, could become a regular at Electric Forecourts and Electric Super Hubs on its Electric Highway. 

Very few electric cars are currently capable of such charging speeds, with most models accepting up to 120kW. There are some exceptions, such as the Porsche Taycan, which is able to be charged using a power supply of up to 270kW.  

Toddington Harper, CEO of Gridserve 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.

“It can be used with a variety of electric vehicles including HGVs and cars towing caravans.”

Harper explained that the company had listened to driver feedback that its towing customers needed additional space to charge without decoupling.

“This new charger installation has given us the opportunity to provide that charging area at Braintree Electric Forecourt,” he said.

Frank Muehlon, CEO of ABB E-mobility, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Gridserve to bring our latest innovation in high power charging to the UK market.

“The Braintree Electric Forecourt represents the future for the UK consumer e-mobility experience, and we are proud to be supporting Gridserve on this milestone launch.”

Gridserve is aiming to deliver more than 100 Electric Forecourts. Along with those already opened in Braintree and Norwich, construction has now begun on London Gatwick Airport Electric Forecourt, which is due to open in 2023.

Next sites include Stevenage, Gateshead and Uckfield with planning permission also granted for Electric Forecourts in Bromborough, Plymouth and Markham Vale.