Gridserve, a UK-based electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure company, has launched a new research and development facility aimed at improving EV charger reliability. The test lab, located at the Gridserve Innovations and Operations Centre (GIOC) in Swindon, is the first of its kind to be developed by a charge point operator in the UK.
The facility is designed to replicate real-world charging scenarios, with a focus on testing the interaction between chargers and various electric vehicles. This includes examining the “handshake” process where the Charger and vehicle communicate to initiate charging.
While the lab will test a range of electric vehicles, it notably includes testing for electric trucks as part of the Electric Freightway programme. This inclusion highlights the growing importance of electrification in the commercial vehicle sector.
Gridserve’s engineers have already conducted extensive interoperability testing on chargers and various electric vehicles. Their work involves examining power cabinets, battery energy storage systems, software, and firmware to identify potential improvements to the charging network.
The company states that the primary goal of this facility is to enhance reliability, which they view as crucial for building customer confidence in EV charging infrastructure. By addressing potential issues in a controlled environment, Gridserve aims to improve both their existing operations and future charging experiences for customers.
