In a recent survey of 2,000 buyers, the biggest barrier to getting into a new EV was not having an easy opportunity to ‘try before you buy’. Despite more than half of those surveyed saying that they were likely to go with an EV next, many felt that they lacked a proper understanding of electric vehicles and would really welcome the chance to spend time with an expert, asking questions and having a go themselves. That scenario begs the question: How can you test multiple EVs from different manufacturers, get expert advice and, once you’ve made your choice, get a competitive rate for your lease? Gridserve believes the answer lies in its Electric Forecourts.
While there are many great charger operations across the UK, Gridserve Electric Forecourts actually look like a glimpse into the future. Sure, it’s still possible to hit a queue, but there are 36 charge points – including 12x that can deliver 350kW as well as another 12x DC chargers, 6x Tesla Super Chargers and an array of lower powered AC units. There’s also a purpose-built facility with relaxation lounges, a coffee shop, meeting rooms and a mini-supermarket – so you can chill out or be productive while waiting to top up.
Right now, there are Electric Forecourts in Braintree and Norwich with a new one coming online at Gatwick in the near future – and plans for another 97 across the UK. According to the company’s spokesperson, they already have planning permission for Uckfield, Nevendon, Gateshead, Plymouth and Stevenage. There are also many ‘Super Hub' locations, that have plenty of chargers – without the whole forecourt experience.
To help folks move into the best EV for their needs, Gridserve has set up a leasing operation with hands-on capability at its Electric Forecourts. You can download the app, select the cars you want to test drive and set them up, one after the other, and all at the same location.
Trying to decide between a Mini, Fiat 500 or Peugeot e-208? Not a problem says Gridserve, you can try them in short succession.
The same if you want to choose from an MG4, Cupra Born or an ID.3.
Toward the high-end, perhaps you are considering a Genesis GV60, Tesla Model Y or even a Porsche Taycan.
Whichever comparison you are trying to make, you can line them up and get hands on at Gridserve.
At the time of going to press, the lowest lease rate we could find was £175 for a Renault Zoe and the most expensive was an eye-watering £1,808 for a BMW i7.
They also have specialists on-hand to answer any questions you may have. Lastly, you can get used to using Electric Forecourts for your ‘away-from-home’ charging – as each of these vehicles includes three months of free charging on the Gridserve network when you start your lease.
So what kind of questions are these experts expecting? Well, according to Gridserve’s survey:-
- 29% of new EV drivers are interested in charging times;
- 25% want to know more about range – compared to petrol/diesel vehicles;
- 37% were concerned with reliability;
- 31% worry about ‘fuel economy’.
On average, from the time a driver decides that they want a new car and they work out how they want to finance it, it takes around a month before the final choice is made. That doesn’t include all of the time we all spend ‘absorbing general information’ about the latest cars, technologies and other issues.
We tried the test drive booking service and it was really straightforward to use. From the app, you can choose location, date, time and the vehicle you want to use in a one-hour slot. It will be easy to catch up with a Gridserve expert on site and there’s plenty of parking for your old vehicle, while you are out trying its replacement.
If you have questions about any of Gridserve's offers – from power to leasing – you can get in contact with them here.