CMS advises GRIDSERVE on acquisition of the Electric Highway

International law CMS has advised GRIDSERVE, a developer and operator of clean energy solutions for critical power infrastructure, on its acquisition of the Electric Highway from green energy company Ecotricity following which GRIDSERVE has launched ‘GRIDSERVE Electric Highway’ – a recognisable brand covering all of GRIDSERVE’s UK-wide chargers, including coverage for 85% of the motorway network, plus towns and cities across the country.

GRIDSERVE’s acquisition will lead to a major upgrade of the Electric Highway, the UK’s first nationwide electric vehicle charging network. The Electric Highway began a decade ago and played a pivotal role in kickstarting the country’s electric car revolution, enabling early adopters to drive the length and breadth of Britain.

The upgrade will involve replacing of all the existing chargers on the network with new technology that features all the latest advances including contactless payment, and expanding the network. GRIDSERVE’s aim is to build a UK-wide network of more than 50 high power ‘Electric Hubs’ with 6-12 x 350kW chargers in each, plus almost 300 rapid chargers installed across 85% of the UK’s motorway service stations, and more than a 100 GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourts® in development. 

Funding for the network upgrade and expansion is being provided by Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, a shareholder in GRIDSERVE, and The Rise Fund, TPG’s global impact investing platform.  

Doug Land, CMS Corporate partner, comments: “We are delighted to have supported GRIDSERVE in this milestone acquisition which will significantly level up Britain’s charging network. Not only will the new technology enhance the reliability of the network, but such infrastructure is also essential to meet the UK Government’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. CMS brings its deep sector expertise to advising on market-leading energy and infrastructure projects, often involving complex and novel technologies and is committed to helping our clients achieve their decarbonisation goals.”

The CMS team was led by Doug Land and supported by Jennifer Louch and Aisling Knapton (Corporate); Victoria Peckett and Leor Mizrachi (Construction); Dalia Majumder-Russell and Rosie Lapper (Energy and Climate Change); Philip Reid and Hannah Jones (Tax); Duncan Turner, Gillian McCulloch, Graeme Young and Siobhan Kahmann (TMIC); and Mark Walker and Matt Leon (Employment).