Roadchef Responds To Surge In EV
In partnership with GRIDSERVE, we have significantly upgraded the electric vehicle (EV) charging points at our sites across the country, having seen demand surge by five times the average daily usage over the summer.
Powered by 100% renewable energy, a total of 41 charging points across the company’s network have been updated to GRIDSERVE rapid chargers, now offering contactless payment to ensure a fast and frictionless experience for drivers. EV chargers are available at Roadchef sites 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and drivers can check charger availability through GRIDSERVE’s Electric Highway Network Map.
Roadchef was one of the first motorway service area providers to roll out EV charging points. This latest upgrade comes at a crucial time for the fast-growing EV sector, with September sales nearing the figures for the whole of 2019.
The increase in daily usage recorded by Roadchef over the summer period further demonstrates the growing demand. And as consumers move towards a low-carbon lifestyle and opt for more sustainable staycations, EV sales and charging usage figures are expected to continue to rise.
Roadchef is committed to continually upgrading EV charging facilities across its network, with plans to build charging hubs with ultra-rapid chargers up to 350kW. At present, the company is working with a number of partners to realise this ambition as quickly as possible.
Mark Fox, CEO at Roadchef, said: “Roadchef is committed to playing a key role in a more sustainable future and our upgraded EV charging facilities are very much a step in the right direction. Over the last year there has been a huge upturn in EV ownership so it’s essential that there is a solid charging network in place on motorways to enable consumers to travel longer distances, worry-free. This recent upgrade combined with our future EV hub plans and our commitment to reducing our carbon impact means we are fast becoming a destination of choice for the sustainable-minded consumer.”