GRIDSERVE has opened its fifth and most advanced Electric Forecourt at Markham Vale, setting a new benchmark for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the UK.  

Located at Junction 29A of the M1, the UK’s busiest motorway, the flagship site has been designed to meet the rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles as drivers continue to make the switch to electric in record numbers.  

Positioned at the heart of the East Midlands strategic road network, the facility has been purpose-built to serve local communities, businesses, fleet operators, commuters and long-distance travellers, providing the fastest, most reliable and most convenient charging destination for every type of electric vehicle.   

The Markham Vale Electric Forecourt features 39 ultra-rapid charging bays from launch, including 36 charging bays for passenger vehicles, plus three drive-through bays designed specifically for larger vehicles, including electric HGVs, coaches, vans and vehicles towing caravans or trailers.  

It also has three dedicated accessible charging bays conveniently located to the main entrance, helping to ensure that charging is just as straightforward and convenient for drivers with disabilities.  

Each bay is equipped with ABB’s latest 400kW-capable charging units, making Markham Vale one of the most powerful public charging locations in Europe. Thanks to an all-new grid connection, it means the latest electric vehicles, such as the BMW iX3 50, can add more than 200 miles of range in less than 10 minutes.   

To make charging as simple as possible, customers have the option of paying via contactless payment cards, the GRIDSERVE app or a range of third-party business roaming partners. Live charger availability is also integrated into the GRIDSERVE app and other major navigation platforms, including Zapmap, helping drivers plan journeys with confidence.  

As with all Electric Super Hubs on the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, the chargers are powered by 100 per cent net zero energy. The retail facility, suspended above the main charging area, is also powered by 138 rooftop-mounted 455W solar panels and leverages rainwater harvesting to reduce mains water usage, reflecting GRIDSERVE’s commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure without compromising on performance or convenience.  

From launch, visitors will have access to free superfast Wi-Fi and premium lounge facilities, alongside a Costa Coffee shop and Little Fresh convenience store. Expert staff will be on hand to support all charging needs as well as offer impartial advice to both experienced EV drivers and those considering making the switch.  

During summer, the building is open to all drivers from 06:00 – 21:00, seven days a week, while the charging facilities operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Officer at GRIDSERVE, said: “The opening of Markham Vale marks a major milestone for GRIDSERVE and demonstrates how far both the electric vehicle market and charging infrastructure have evolved over the past five years since we opened our first Electric Forecourt at Braintree.   

“Today’s drivers expect charging to be superfast, reliable and convenient and that’s exactly what this site delivers. We’ve created a destination capable of serving everyone from local drivers and families travelling across the country to commercial fleets and logistics operators electrifying their operations.”  

Daniel Kunkel, CEO of GRIDSERVE, added: “Markham Vale is another fantastic milestone in a year that is already proving highly significant for both GRIDSERVE and the EV industry. The first half of 2026 has been the busiest and highest-selling period on record for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) in the UK, with fully-electric cars now representing nearly one in four (24.9%) of all registrations year-to-date.  

“While every major technological transition has faced moments of uncertainty, history tells us something remarkably consistent: progress doesn’t stop. The question isn’t whether change happens, but whether we choose to lead that change. At GRIDSERVE we’re proud to be playing our part in building a better future for everybody.” 

Ross Watson, General Manager at Markham Vale, said: “This latest site brings a world class facility and an entirely new scale of charging provision to the region. As electric transport continues to expand across every sector, the site has been designed to support the next generation of mobility from day one.   

“We’re excited to open our doors and welcome visitors, whether they’re GRIDSERVE regulars, charging for the first time or just EV curious. We’re here to demonstrate that the future is here and the future is electric.”   The opening of Markham Vale further expands GRIDSERVE’s nationwide charging network which now covers more than 200 locations across the UK’s motorways and most popular A-roads, reinforcing its commitment to delivering the infrastructure required to make electric vehicle travel accessible, convenient and enjoyable for all. It has been recognised by Zap-Map as the most used public EV charging network and as ‘Charging Network of the Year’ in the 2026 Electrifying.com Awards.