GRIDSERVE has announced that its new Electric Forecourt in Norwich is open for business.
Powered by 100% renewable energy, the Electric Forecourt hosts 36 EV chargers, including 22 high-power chargers with up to 350kW of power.
GRIDSERVE claims these are the “fastest chargers commercially available today” capable of adding up to 100 miles of range in five minutes.
The Forecourt more than doubles the number of high-powered chargers in the region and is available to everyone whether they are EV drivers or not.
Currently, Norwich and the wider East of England region host just 29 chargers per 100,000 people, which is comparatively less than the UK average of 42 per 100,000 people.
The result is that only a small proportion of cars in the Norwich area are EVs.
However, if its Electric Forecourt in Braintree, Essex is anything to go by then EV uptake could begin to take off in the surrounding areas. This district has seen EV registrations grow by 82% – more than double the UK’s average rate of EV growth.
Additionally, Norwich has received government funding to assess the viability of a zero-emission zone in the city in a bid to cut air pollution. If this goes ahead, all petrol and diesel vehicles could be banned from the city centre making EVs essential.
To cater for all needs, Norwich Electric Forecourt is also an EV experience destination. Visitors can find out more about EVs, discuss leasing options and soon they will be able to test drive the latest electric cars from the biggest brands.
Toddington Harper, chief executive of GRIDSERVE, said: “Norwich Electric Forecourt showcases a brand new design, where we have been able to provide both charging and a great customer experience in a smaller footprint than our first site at Braintree. By elevating the facilities above the chargers, we make the best use of the space available and are able to deliver a great EV experience without compromise, even when space is at a premium and sites are more constrained.”
The project was constructed with funding from Novuna. Chief executive of Novuna, Robert Gordon, commented: “We are delighted to have supported GRIDSERVE in delivering the Norwich Electric Forecourt. It is a remarkable project and a game changer for people and businesses in the area interested in transitioning to electric vehicles powered by clean energy. Projects like this really make a difference in providing the confidence people need to become electric vehicle drivers.”
Norwich’s Electric Forecourt is located at Broadland Gate Business Park in Postwick, NR13 5HB, adjacent to the A47.