Gridserve has launched the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, a network of more than 50 Electric Hubs, almost 300 rapid chargers at more than 150 motorway service stations, and more than 100 GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourts in development, in the UK.

The high-power ‘Electric Hubs’ will each feature 6-12 x 350kW chargers that are capable of adding 100 miles of distance in five minutes. These hubs are due to be installed at motorway sites across the UK at an expected cost of more than £100m.

With the launch of the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, the company aims to revolutionise the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

Gridserve CEO Toddington Harper said: “GRIDSERVE’s purpose is to deliver sustainable energy and move the needle on climate change.

“The GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, a network of easy-to-use, reliable, rapid and high power chargers right across the UK is doing just that.

“We are eliminating charging anxiety and making driving electric an enjoyable, ultra-convenient and stress-free experience.”

The launch comes after Gridserve acquired the Electric Highway from Ecotricity last month.

Within six weeks of completing the deal, the company has replaced more than 80 chargers with new 60kW+ chargers at more than 50 locations across the UK. More than 150 sites are due to be upgraded by September.

The firm plans to complete more than ten new Electric Hubs this year, starting with installations at motorway service stations in Reading, Thurrock, Exeter and Cornwall.

UK Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “As we accelerate towards cleaner and greener transport, I’m delighted to see GRIDSERVE leading the charge in the EV charging revolution.

“The UK Government has already set out plans to invest £1.3bn in accelerating the roll-out of charging infrastructure, targeting support for rapid charge points on motorways and major roads to erase any anxiety around long journeys.”

The GRIDSERVE Electric Highway is backed by funding from The Rise Fund, a TPG global impact investing platform that recently invested in Gridserve.

The company’s existing shareholder, Hitachi Capital (UK), has also supported the project.