A COMPANY which specialises in sustainable energy has announced plans to build the UK’s very first solar-powered electric vehicle charging station in Braintree.

Gridserve is in advanced talks with Braintree Council over the plans to install the new forecourt at the proposed Horizon 120 business park in Great Notley.

The new charging station will eventually be one of more than 100 sites across the UK which will offer convenient, ultra-fast and low cost charging for all types of electric vehicles.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

The forecourt will have dedicated zones for private and fleet vehicles, such as taxis, buses, vans and lorries, and will offer sub 30-minute charging times.

It will also feature a range of facilities including a coffee shop, convenience store and airport style lounge with high speed internet, which will also serve as an education centre and hub to explore a broad range of EV solutions.

Gridserve chief exec Toddington Harper said: "We plan to make charging electric vehicles as easy as using petrol stations.

"The latest generation of vehicles are ready for mainstream adoption, but drivers still worry about where they can charge, how long it will take and what it will cost.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

"We’re looking forward to developing this site in Braintree to provide the infrastructure necessary to accelerate the electric vehicle revolution, serve the grid and help the UK meet climate and clean air targets.”

The forecourt will be located opposite the Horizon 120 business park and will share a number of the state of the art facilities planned.

Council bosses are holding discussions with Gridserve on the possibility of sharing an entrance which will provide the business park with a second access road specifically for larger vehicles.

The entry could also create a new bus route.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

John McKee, Braintree Council's Corporate Transformation boss, said: “We’re delighted that Gridserve is looking at a site next to Horizon 120 to locate their very first ‘Electric Forecourt’ which will not only serve the businesses relocating to our park, but also all the residents in our district thinking about switching to green energy.

"This eco-friendly facility fits in with our vision for the park - to create a forward-looking business community with emphasis on long-term sustainability and future proofing to facilitate modern ways of living and working.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

"All these contemporary amenities set within a landscaped, quality environment will make Horizon 120 the place to work and to do business now and in the future."

A formal planning application is set to be submitted to Braintree Council in the coming days.

If planning permission is granted, construction work is expected to start on the new forecourt later this year.