GRIDSERVE Charging Stations Unplugged: A GRIDSERVE Guide

Whether you’re fresh to the world of EVs or a certified expert, GRIDSERVE’s Electric Highway network could be your next best discovery for charging your car.

But what is the GRIDSERVE public charging network all about, and how can you use their EV charging points to keep your car—and your journey—energised?

Let’s get on to the Electric Highway.

Who is GRIDSERVE?

GRIDSERVE is a British sustainable energy business focused on delivering cleaner power to UK transport, most prominently through its growing, sustainably-powered EV charging network.

With the large-scale hybrid solar and battery farms preened, ready, and waiting at GRIDSERVE’s disposal, you can charge your electric car at a GRIDSERVE charging station using net zero carbon energy.

Since 2017, GRIDSERVE has installed over 1,300 charging bays across 180 locations. On top of this, they are famous for creating the UK’s first Electric Forecourt.

More on this to come.

What sort of EV chargers are available?

The GRIDSERVE charging network is synonymous with the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway. They are one and the same. In total, they are made up of:

1. Electric Forecourts

GRIDSERVE’s crown jewels – the Electric Forecourts – are leading the charge for sustainable, reliable, and convenient EV charging across the land.

These spots are newly built, modern and often integrated into purpose-built forecourts that almost feel like an airport lounge for EVs. Or, in other words, like a dedicated motorway station purely for EV drivers –  but better.

An array of EV charging points at different speeds are available – fast, rapid and ultra-rapid, 22kW and below for low power, and up to 350kW for high power charging.

Here are also some of the small luxuries at the Electric Forecourts:

• Children’s play areas
• Lounge areas
• Bookable meeting rooms
• Rentable office pods
• Wi-Fi
• Shops, including M&S, Costa and WHSmith.

Sit back and relax, shop till you drop, or munch on the move – all while you charge.

2. Electric Hubs

More common than the forecourts, these high-power electric hubs are conveniently dotted at key routes across the UK, including at motorways and retail destinations. These charging hubs go by different names at different locations:

• Electric Hubs
• Electric Super Hubs
• Electric Retail Hubs
• Electric Destination Hubs.

The charging speeds vary depending on where and which hub you are up, ranging from 7kW to 350kW.

How do I spot GRIDSERVE charging stations?

Keep your eyes peeled for any tall EV charging points in a white and green colour scheme, usually decorated with a G.

The Electric Forecourts are pretty easy to spot, too. Big. Heavily signed. Modern-esk.

The large G on the side helps, too. Trust us; these are hard to miss.

How can I find GRIDSERVE chargers near me?

GRIDSERVE locations are far and wide in the UK. But to pinpoint the nearest GRIDSERVE charging point near you, use the GRIDSERVE app, GRIDSERVE map on the website, or third-party apps like Zap-Map.

Are GRIDSERVE Chargers Free?

Sometimes, in a rare instance, you might come across free EV chargers in your wake. However, GRIDSERVE’s chargers won’t be one of them as they tend to charge a set fee.

How much do GRIDSERVE EV charging points cost?

Overall, GRIDSERVE charging prices typically depend on the location and speed of the charger. As a general rule of thumb, however, from 30 November 2023, these are the GRIDSERVE prices:

• Fast Charging (Up to 22kW): Expect to pay around 49p per kWh for any chargers up to 22kW.
• Ultra-Rapid Charging (up to 350kW): The highest power chargers cost approximately 79p per kWh, but they’ll have you back on the road in no time—often in as little as 20 minutes.

GRIDSERVE aims to be competitive in pricing, with charges comparable to those of other leading networks in the UK. They also occasionally offer promotions, so it’s worth keeping an eye on deals if you’re a regular user.

It’s important to note that you will be subject to a £1 pre-authorisation charge. Don’t fear, though – this will be released once your public charging is finished.

Discover EV charging speeds in detail.

Where exactly are the Electric Forecourts?

Currently, there are only three GRIDSERVE forecourts – so far. Below are the exact locations:

• GRIDSERVE Braintree
• GRIDSERVE Norwich
• GRIDSERVE Gatwick

But, plans for future Electric Forecourts are already in the making at the following places:

• Stevenage
• Gateshead
• Markham Vale
• Hartlepool
• Leeds
• Rutherglen
• Nevendon
• Plymouth
• Bromborough
• Yeovil

Learn more about future developments.

Can I charge a Tesla at GRIDSERVE?

It depends on the location of the GRIDSERVE charging point, but nine times out of ten, you’ll find Tesla Superchargers at the forecourts for quick, effortless, and convenient Tesla EV charging. For example, the Braintree Electric Forecourt, London Gatwick Electric Forecourt, and London Norwich Electric Forecourt all have Tesla Superchargers stationed at your disposal. Tesla owners are a go.

How do you pay for the GRIDSERVE charging network?

Effortlessly charge your electric vehicle at a Gridserve charging station by using:

• Contactless payments (debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• App
• Membership and Fuel cards (including Mina Chargepass, Allstar, and Plugsurfing)

Amplify your EV charging with a home EV charger today.

As the experts in electric car charging, we supply and install EV chargers nationwide. OZEV-approved, accredited, and experienced, you are guaranteed to be in safe hands with us.

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