Two eco-companies have partnered to bring high-powered EV charging forecourts for electric vehicles to the UK.

SportsArt, a green fitness brand that develops sustainable gym equipment, and Gridserve a tech-enabled international sustainable energy business, will complete construction this month of the first all-new Electric Forecourt, located close to Braintree, Essex. The Essex location will be the first of more than 100 sites planned to be built out by Gridserve in the next five years.

Electric car drivers

According to the partners, they want to offer the convenience and amenities of a petrol station to electric car drivers looking to charge their vehicle in “all-new ways”.

The site will have 30 rapid car chargers in total. Another 24 will be provided by ABB and provide charging for all EV models. There will also be six Tesla Superchargers dedicated to the brand’s models.

“We’re excited to be a part of this progressive partnership with Gridserve,” said Ruben Mejia, executive vice president of SportsArt. “SportsArt’s mission is to deliver sustainable and eco-friendly options; the Electric Forecourt is a prime example of an innovative opportunity that will bring these alternatives to an entire community.”

While vehicles are charging, drivers will be able to take advantage of the amenities including SportsArt’s upright cycles that allow users to burn calories while also reducing their carbon footprint

Key amenities of the Electric Forecourt include:

• Electric charging stations to accommodate 36 electric vehicles that can deliver up to 350kW of charging power within 20 to 30 minutes
• Wellbeing area featuring SportsArt’s G576U upright cycles
• Lounge with high-speed wi-fi, high end washrooms and children’s area
• Retail space with convenient supermarkets and coffee shops for customers to browse as their cars charge
• Designated spot for non-EV drivers to come and learn more about low-emission motoring.

While vehicles are charging, drivers will be able to take advantage of the amenities including SportsArt’s upright cycles that allow users to burn calories while also reducing their carbon footprint. The technology captures human energy produced through pedalling and turns it into usable energy to contribute to the power grid for charging vehicles.

“Partnering with SportsArt forms a key part of our mission to support education initiatives, helping people to understand more about energy, and how clean energy can help contribute towards healthy and more sustainable lifestyles,” said Toddington Harper, founder and CEO of Gridserve.

“This fully-loaded customer experience will cater to a range of consumer and driver needs.”

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