Hitachi Capital UK announces £10m investment in GRIDSERVE

Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC has announced a £10m investment in GRIDSERVE Holdings Limited, to strengthen the partnership following the successful launch of the UK’s first ultra-fast Electric Forecourt®.

Over the course of 2020 Hitachi Capital UK has funded over £24m in GRIDSERVE projects, including funding to help deliver the completion of the Braintree Electric Forecourt®.

The latest investment by Hitachi Capital UK will help progress its aim of financially supporting projects that go towards delivering a net zero carbon economy.

Hitachi Capital UK’s partnership with GRIDSERVE aims to revolutionise the UK’s approach to solar energy and create the infrastructure to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.  Over the next five years, GRIDSERVE will build more than 100 Electric Forecourts® across the UK, delivering fast, ultra-convenient and reliable charging for EVs.

Hitachi Capital UK’s partnership with GRIDSERVE also encompasses the UK’s first net zero electric vehicle leasing business, which is designed to bring the cost of driving electric vehicles powered by net zero carbon energy well below that of petrol or diesel cars, and simultaneously minimise the environmental impact of EVs.

Robert Gordon, CEO of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, said: “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, commented: “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.”