Planning permission has been sought to build a 1MWp solar farm next to Cornwall Services, on the A30 near Bodmin, to be directly connected to the recently installed 12 EV (electric vehicle) charger with the aim of delivering up to four million zero-carbon miles energy directly into electric vehicles every year. 

Currently operating in testing phase, the electric super hub consists of six high-power 350kW-capable chargers suitable for a quick top-up when passing through, along with six low-power AC chargers for overnight hotel guests. 

While high-power EV charging traditionally requires new grid connections, the Gridserve site uses a solar canopy and the latest innovations in batteries to supplement the existing grid connection to deliver ten times the charging power. The proposed solar farm will add to this. 

Gridserve chief executive Toddington Harper said: “While still in the initial stages of the project, the electric super hub has already proven itself through the Easter and early May Bank holidays charging over 100 cars a day during busy periods. 

“We are excited for what is still to come at Cornwall Services as we continue to refine and optimise the system to deliver the best possible charging experience, powered by sustainable zero carbon energy.”