GRIDSERVE Braintree

Essex is home to the world’s first all electric forecourt! Gridserve Braintree is similar to a standard petrol station forecourt, but it purely for electric cars. It prides itself on its sustainable energy and has some cool eco friendly features!

🗺GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt, Edison Way, Great Notley, Essex, CM77 7AP

⚡️Charging points available 24/7

💰30p/kWh

🛍Retail open: 7am – 8pm (Post Office hours vary)

Braintree Electric Forecourt

Gridserve is located a short distance from the A120 on the edge of Braintree (close to Great Notley Country Park). Not only does the forecourt charge electric vehicles, but it is sustainable in itself. It’s powered by solar panels/a solar farm! It even has a ‘living wall’ on the outside.

The Braintree electric forecourt has 36 charging stations, including 6 rapid TESLA chargers. Chargers are compatible with all the major car makes that produce electric vehicles (cars, buses, motorbikes and HGVs). At the moment the average charging session takes approximately 30 minutes. This is at a rate of around 100 miles of range per 10 minutes.

Charging points at GRIDSERVE have the capability of providing 100 miles of range in 5 minutes. However, the technology of the cars don’t quite match this yet. As the technology improves, GRIDSERVE will be ready for it.

Payment is taken directly from the charging point, meaning that cars can be charged 24/7, even when the retail store is closed. All major cards are accepted, including Apple pay and Google pay.

Retail and Facilities at GRIDSERVE Braintree

Even without an electric vehicle, the retail area and facilities can be used by the general public. Although you won’t be able to fill up with petrol or diesel, there are regular parking bays and bike racks. The zebra crossings are ‘3D’ murals which are a little bit strange to drive towards! There’s also an outdoor picnic area that is dog friendly.

On the lower level is the retail area. Here you’ll find a Costa Coffee, WHSmiths, the Post Office (which accepts parcels) and a Booths food and drink. The businesses here have some good eco initiatives. Costa Coffee has a recycling area, with separate ‘bins’ for the cup, lids and even an area to dispose of any leftover liquid. Booths has a small refill station which saves on product packaging as you can reuse the same packaging each time.

The upper level has plenty of space to relax while waiting for vehicles to finish charging. There’s a kid’s play area with digital video screens that have over 100 different games to play. One of the coolest facilities is the ‘Wellbeing Zone’. There are 2 free spin bikes that overlook the forecourt. They actually generate electric that puts energy back into the forecourt! If exercise bikes require too much physical exertion, they also have yoga mats and exercise balls for use.

There are also three soundproof, climate controlled, meeting pods that can be hired. Rates start from £16 per hour and can fit up to 6 people inside. Free WiFi is available throughout the building.

And if you have been convinced to by an electric vehicle, they have an information area with various deals.

Gatwick Electric Forecourt

GRIDSERVE have announced that there will be a new electric forecourt opening at Gatwick Airport. It is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2022. This will make Gatwick Airport the first airport in the world with an electric forecourt! From Essex, if not flying out of Stansted or Southend, Gatwick is a convenient option as it’s just 30 minutes the other side of the Dartford Crossing.