GRIDSERVE Braintree Electric Vehicle Forecourt – Braintree, Essex

GRIDSERVE

Braintree, Essex

Bowman Riley supported the development of the UK’s first electric vehicle charging forecourt for GRIDSERVE, a British start-up provider of hybrid solar solutions for power infrastructure.

GRIDSERVE approached Bowman Riley for support due to our 40 years of expertise in fuel forecourt designs. GRIDSERVE’s objective is to radically transform the electric vehicle experience by delivering a sustainable, energy-powered, affordable, public charging network.

Our role comprised lead designer, project manager and principal designer for the whole site, architect on the forecourt and delivery architect on the new modular building. We proposed further specialist and quality consultants and contractors to progress the project in line with the challenging time scales.

Situated on a greenfield site designated as a technology park, GRIDSERVE Braintree is the first 100% renewable fast-charging electric vehicle forecourt with a 5MVA power supply. In consideration of future expansion, we have created the capacity to offer double the supply to 10MVA.

Alongside the forecourt is a new modular building to house a vehicle showroom, convenience store, meeting and lounge to offer facilities for drivers whilst their vehicles are charged to deliver an enhanced customer experience.

This sustainable site features photovoltaic panels, greenery, rainwater harvesting and a balancing pond for urban drainage.  The development targeted a BREEAM Excellent rating.

Within the first 18 months of opening the site, EV ownership in Essex increased by 82 percent, which is more than double the UK’s average rate of growth.

We are continuing to work with our client to develop the concept into an affordable and deliverable offer to support their expansion plans to roll out the forecourt model across the UK.

Images courtesy of GRIDSERVE.

See our other GRIDSERVE project in Norwich.