GRIDSERVE upgrades Moto Knutsford Services

GRIDSERVE has completed an infrastructure upgrade at Moto Knutsford Services.

Positioned between Junctions 18 and 19 of the M6, Knutsford Services is one of the North West’s most heavily used rest stops. Until recently, its ability to host modern high-power Electric Vehicle (EV) charging had been constrained by limited local power availability.

Over a two-year project, GRIDSERVE collaborated with partners across UK government, National Highways, the region’s Distribution Network Operator (DNO), Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) and Moto to design and deliver new energy infrastructure.

Funding from the government’s Green Recovery Fund enabled Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN), the area’s DNO, to install a new primary substation at the edge of the services. 

GRIDSERVE then designed, funded and constructed the complex internal power network needed to bring that energy to both sides of the motorway service area, including the last mile IDNO intake sub-stations and drilling a series of boreholes beneath eight lanes of the M6 to channel high-voltage cabling.

Both the Northbound and Southbound areas now feature 12 ultra-rapid charging bays, each supported by 350kW- and 360kW-capable chargers that can deliver up to 100 miles of range in under 10 minutes for compatible EVs. 

The infrastructure has been built with additional capacity, enabling rapid expansion of each Super Hub as EV adoption continues to grow. Moto forecasts that by 2030, one in three vehicles visiting its sites will be electric.

Daniel Kunkel, chief executive of GRIDSERVE, said: “Knutsford Services is a clear demonstration of GRIDSERVE’s leadership and technical capability in delivering ‘on the go’ ultra-rapid charging. We’re committed to building critical EV infrastructure that is super-fast, reliable and convenient – not just where it’s easy to install, but where drivers need it most.”

Michael Blake, managing director of last mile asset management, said: “Last Mile is proud to be partnering with GRIDSERVE in adopting, owning, and maintaining critical infrastructure to accelerate EV charging and the wider energy transition. We worked collaboratively with GRIDSERVE and their other partners to secure land rights and streamline the construction and adoption process to bring power to the site.”

Moto Hospitality’s chief executive, Ken McMeikan, added: “The opening of our new Super Hub at Knutsford North Services marks a major milestone in our mission to revolutionise EV charging on the UK’s motorway network. With increased capacity and High Power charging bays, this new facility will provide a significant boost for EV drivers travelling on the M6.

“It demonstrates our continued commitment to enhancing the EV charging experience through greater reliability, simplicity, speed and accessibility at key locations across our network.”

During December, GRIDSERVE is rolling out of new Super Hubs, including the expansion of its Super Hub at Moto Exeter and the first in a series of new motorway locations delivered in partnership with Extra Services.