GRIDSERVE offers first look at Markham Vale Electric Forecourt

GRIDSERVE marked the fifth anniversary of its Electric Forecourt concept, a purpose-built electric vehicle (EV) charging station, by revealing the look of its new site in Markham Vale near Chesterfield.

Construction is progressing at the fifth GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt in Markham Vale, scheduled to open in summer 2026. 

Situated at J29A of the M1, it will launch with at least 22 ultra-rapid charging bays equipped with 400kW-capable

GRIDSERVE launched the first Electric Forecourt at Braintree in Essex during December 2020, launching within an emerging sector where just 20 fully-electric models were available. 

As a sustainable energy pioneer, GRIDSERVE used its first EV charging station to introduce a ‘Sun-to-Wheel’ ecosystem. 

Since Braintree, GRIDSERVE has developed flagship Electric Forecourts in Norwich and Stevenage, meaningfully increasing EV uptake in regions that were historically behind the curve. The Gatwick Electric Forecourt – another UK-first development within an international airport – was conceived with Gatwick Airport to help decarbonise one of the busiest transport hubs.

Daniel Kunkel, chief executive of GRIDSERVE, said: “Our Electric Forecourts are designed for the future of electric mobility, around what consumers truly want: the ability to recharge themselves while they recharge their car – taking a break, enjoying great coffee, and benefiting from the convenience we provide.

“As we prepare to open Markham Vale next year, our focus remains on delivering the infrastructure that will accelerate the UK’s journey to net zero.”

Jack Short, regional forecourts manager, added: “As GRIDSERVE continues to scale its network and invest in the future of sustainable energy and transport, the Braintree Electric Forecourt remains a landmark achievement. What began as a bold concept has become a proven blueprint for the UK’s electric future. Braintree will be remembered as the place where that future took its first major step forward.”