Gridserve Car Leasing is launching a multi-marque electric car test drive programme at its Electric Forecourts in Braintree and Norwich to encourage motorists to make the switch to an EV.

The campaign cooincides with Gridserve’s first EV Awareness Day on July 16, and drivers are invited to book to drive a range of cars from Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, Polestar 2, Mercedes EQB and the latest Nissan Leaf through the Gridserve website.

“All the best car reviewers test drive cars back-to-back before they come to their expert verdicts, and we think customers should get the same best-in-class experience," Gridserve Car Leasing sales and operation director Robert Buckland said.

“Our new test drive programme gives customers the chance to select vehicles and experience their very own electric car group test, following in the footsteps of Hammond and Clarkson as they choose their next car.

“The key difference is; whether our customers are experienced experts or brand new to EVs, the Gridserve Car Leasing team will help customers to make the best choice for them.” 

Automotive firms recognise the challenge in attracting mainstream motorists into electric cars ahead of the UK Government's 2030 plan to ban petrol and diesel new cars from sale.

AM100 dealer group Arnold Clark has recently opened its second Innovation Centre, in Staffordshire, to help consumers see and experience a wide range of EVs.

The first Arnold Clark Innovation Centre at Glasgow has educated hundreds of motorists about EVs and some have gone on to buy their first electric car.

Gridserve’s EV charging infrastructure is powered by net zero carbon energy, supported by its hybrid solar-plus battery farms and delivered to customers at public charge points.

This model of energy supply gives Gridserve drivers a chance to truly contribute to transport decarbonisation and help move the needle on climate change, it says.  

The announcement of the EV test drive programme comes as Gridserve celebrates the one-year anniversary of its Electric Highway with the chance to win free electricity.

Through the competition, five drivers will win 1,000 miles of free charge across the entire network, including at its Electric Forecourts.