Key Takeaways 📌
- Gridserve has been upgrading motorway services and expanding to local hubs.
- The charging stations are user-friendly and contactless.
- The cost per kilowatt is 69p, with only a £1 holding fee.
- Charging infrastructure is improving rapidly.
Introduction 📜
Electric Vehicle (EV) charging has come a long way, and companies like Gridserve are at the forefront of this transformation. This article explores a user’s experience with Gridserve’s EV charging stations, focusing on ease of use, cost, and the company’s expansion plans.
Gridserve’s Expansion and Upgrades 🏗️
Gridserve has been actively upgrading motorway services, replacing old Ecotricity Highway units with new ones. They are also expanding to local hubs, like the one at Harrison Way in St Ives, near Cambridge. These hubs are strategically located near popular outlets like Costa and McDonald’s.
User Experience: Quick and Easy 🎯
The charging stations are designed for ease of use. They are contactless; all you need to do is plug in, swipe your card, and charge. This is even simpler than Tesla’s Supercharger, where the card is linked to your car.
Cost and Payment 💳
The cost per kilowatt is 69p. Gridserve only charges a £1 holding fee, which is then adjusted based on your actual usage. This is a significant improvement over other providers that require high upfront payments.
Charging Speed and Capacity 📊
The user reported pulling about 80 kW, suggesting that these could be 150 kW chargers. The charging speed can vary based on whether the vehicle is preconditioned.
The Future of EV Charging ⚡
Gridserve is continually rolling out new installations, improving the charging infrastructure on a weekly basis. They are also planning large charging hubs in locations like Braintree and Norwich.
Conclusion 🎯
Gridserve is making significant strides in simplifying and expanding EV charging infrastructure. Their user-friendly, cost-effective stations are a welcome addition to the EV landscape, making it easier for drivers to adopt electric vehicles.
