Hitachi Capital ups investment in Gridserve’s Electric Forecourt rollout

Hitachi Capital has confirmed that it is ploughing an additional £10 million into the rollout of Gridserve’s Electric Forecourt. 

Following the successful opening of the UK’s first Electric Forecourt, which is a service station dedicated to electric vehicles, Hitachi Capital wants to showcase its confidence in the project, and is therefore putting its money where it’s mouth is. 

The Braintree Electric Forecourt in Essex boasts 36 electric vehicle chargers, alongside an array of shops and eateries, and has been hailed as a successful proof that the concept works. Gridserve is now working hard towards its goal of opening 100 Electric Forecourts across the country. 

Hitachi Capital has already invested quite a chunk of change into the Electric Forecourt concept, over the course of 2020 the company invested over £24 million in Gridserve projects, which includes the funds that helped make the Braintree Electric Forecourt a reality. 

Robert Gordon, CEO of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, commented, “Our collaboration with Gridserve to deliver sustainable energy marks a breakthrough in delivering the world-class infrastructure the UK needs in order to accelerate electric mobility.

“Combining our financial strength and motor industry expertise with Gridserve’s leading renewable energy work is a perfect partnership to create a new revolutionary green energy future. Our intention is to become a market leader for EV adoption and today’s announcement, along with our commitment that 20% of our assets will support sustainable business projects over the next five years, shows our determination to deliver on that promise.”

Toddington Harper, CEO of Gridserve Sustainable Energy Ltd, added, “Having Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC as a shareholder in Gridserve represents a major milestone and landmark moment in Gridserve’s journey to deliver sustainable energy and move the needle on climate change.

“Delivering the UK’s first Electric Forecourt with net-zero carbon energy provided by Clayhill Solar Farm, as well as launching the UK’s first net-zero leasing business, is testament to the results and benefits we can deliver through our partnership, and we look forward to delivering many more Electric Forecourts and sustainable energy projects together in the months and years ahead.”