ABB to provide EV chargers at first ‘Electric Forecourt’

Smart Transport member ABB has been selected by Gridserve to supply the high power electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for its first Electric Forecourt in Braintree, Essex.

The site (pictured), which is due to open later this year, will serve up to 30 vehicles at one time and is positioned on the A131 between London and the east of England.

It is the first of more than 100 that Gridserve is planning over the next five years as part of a £1 billion programme.

The Braintree site has the capability to support all types of electirc cars, as well as Heavy Good Vehicles.

The 30 ABB charging installations include 12 Terra 94 units to provide a quick charge at up to 90kW, 12 Terra HP 175/350 kW units, which are capable of adding 200 miles of range in 20 minutes, as well as six Terra AC 22 kW chargers.

As well as EV charging, the site will include retail outlets, a wellbeing area, business lounge and children’s area.

ABB and Gridserve collaborated for more than two years on the project, with ABB providing technical advice on high-power EV charging and tailoring the installation.

Toddington Harper, CEO at Gridserve, said: “Our vision for Electric Forecourts truly makes EV ownership viable to everyone who needs to charge in a convenient way to support their everyday needs.

"It is ideal for local drivers who don’t have home charging, and for drivers on long journeys who need the fastest and most reliable charging possible.”

ABB’s offering includes cloud-based remote monitoring on the ABB Ability digital platform, as well as on-site maintenance.

Frank Muehlon, head of ABB's Global E-Mobility Infrastructure Solutions, said: “Braintree Electric Forecourt represents an important step on the way to the Government’s goal of having high power and hassle-free charge points on England’s motorways and major A roads by 2030.

"It will be exciting to see how this continues to transform EV ownership in the UK.”