UK net-zero EV funding backs retrofit, hydrogen & heat network

Welcome to Net Zero News, where we bring you the latest developments driving the UK’s transition to a net-zero future. In a significant step towards modernising the country’s public charging infrastructure, GRIDSERVE has announced the rapid expansion of its Electric Forecourts™ network, setting a new standard for reliable, high-speed electric vehicle charging across the nation.

Net Zero News can reveal that on 28 October 2025, GRIDSERVE’s CEO Daniel Kunkel officially opened the sixth Electric Forecourt™ site in the Midlands, marking a milestone in the company’s commitment to deploy 40 state-of-the-art charging hubs by 2027. These forecourts will join an existing portfolio of sites in Hertfordshire, Essex, Oxfordshire, York and the Southwest, each designed to provide a seamless charging experience for drivers and fleets.

GRIDSERVE’s Electric Forecourt™ concept combines ultra-rapid chargers delivering up to 350kW of power with on-site solar canopies and integrated battery storage systems. This blend of technologies allows for efficient load management, reducing reliance on grid upgrades and mitigating peak demand pressures. Net Zero News understands that each site is equipped with up to 24 high-power chargers, a sheltered customer lounge, and digital services enabling drivers to pre-book charge slots and monitor session progress through a dedicated mobile app.

This infrastructure rollout aligns with the UK’s legally binding net-zero targets under the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 amendment) and the Department for Transport’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan. By facilitating widespread EV adoption, GRIDSERVE’s forecourts aim to cut millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions over the coming decade. Net Zero News calculates that each forecourt could unlock an additional 1,500 EV journeys per week, translating into a potential reduction of 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually per site compared with petrol and diesel alternatives.

In a sector historically constrained by uneven charging availability, these forecourts address critical barriers such as range anxiety and charging reliability. The fast-charge capability means drivers can restore up to 200 miles of range in under 20 minutes, matching the convenience of refuelling at traditional service stations. For commercial fleet operators, the network promises enhanced operational efficiency and lower total cost of ownership, supporting the electrification of delivery vans, taxis and buses.

Funding for GRIDSERVE’s expansion combines private equity investment with strategic partnerships and public sector support. The company has secured £400 million in equity financing from infrastructure and pension funds and attracted £50 million in government-backed grants and loans administered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). Collaborations with Innovate UK have also underpinned research into advanced battery storage and smart grid integration, helping to drive down operational costs and accelerate deployment timelines.

Net Zero News understands this forms part of a broader government initiative to mobilise private capital into low-carbon infrastructure. The Department for Transport has recognised GRIDSERVE’s Electric Forecourt™ as a demonstrator project under its Future of Transport scheme, reflecting policy aims set out in the Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. Locally, several combined authorities including Greater Manchester and West Midlands have integrated the forecourt sites into regional EV charging strategies, ensuring they complement existing rapid and destination chargers.

Communities hosting these forecourts stand to benefit from job creation, with each site generating around 20 new roles spanning management, technical maintenance and customer service. GRIDSERVE is partnering with local colleges to offer apprenticeship schemes in electrical engineering and renewable energy, fostering skills development in line with the UK’s green jobs agenda. Businesses in adjacent retail and hospitality sectors are already reporting increased footfall, demonstrating the wider economic boost that well-designed charging infrastructure can deliver.

Net Zero News can reveal that GRIDSERVE has plans to further enhance its forecourts with vehicle-to-grid capabilities by 2026, enabling EVs to feed stored energy back to the grid during peak times. The company also intends to introduce solar-powered EV charging hubs at motorway service areas, integrating its battery reserves with national grid balancing services.

Looking ahead, GRIDSERVE will complete its planned 40-site network by the end of 2027, with several locations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland under final negotiation. Later this year, the company will launch a loyalty programme to incentivise repeat usage and introduce dynamic pricing models linked to renewable energy availability. These steps will cement GRIDSERVE’s role in the UK’s journey to net-zero and set an industry benchmark for sustainable EV infrastructure.

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