The UK-wide network of more than 100 Electric Forecourts will allow private and fleet vehicles to be charged in less than 30 minutes.

During this time drivers will be able to take advantage of a range of facilities including coffee shops, fresh food, convenience supermarkets and airport-style lounges with high-speed internet access

Gridserve is also planning to build new solar farms to supply the forecourts with clean, low cost energy.

Construction is scheduled to start on the first sites later this year in York and Hull.

Toddington Harper, CEO of GRIDSERVE, said: “We plan to make charging electric vehicles as easy as using petrol stations.

“We plan to eliminate any range or charging anxiety by building a UK-wide network of customer-focussed, brand new Electric Forecourts that will make it easier and cheaper to use an electric vehicle than a petrol or diesel alternative.

“Within five years we plan to have more than 100 Electric Forecourts in use, with each supported by solar energy and battery storage.

“This infrastructure will accelerate the electric vehicle revolution, serve the grid, and help the UK meet climate and clean air targets.

“We are partnering with operators of fleet vehicles, developers, financiers of vehicles and infrastructure, EV manufacturers, retailers, local authorities, and others who share our vision.”

The forecourts have been designed and engineered in partnership with Arup.