InstaVolt rolls out 125kW EV chargers

InstaVolt has installed its first ChargePoint Express 250 electric vehicle (EV) rapid charger and plans to roll out more this summer.

The new units are capable of charging speeds up to 125kW and can add 125 miles of range in 15 minutes to compatible vehicles.

The first new station is located in Basingstoke, Hampshire and Instavolt has already confirmed new units at Starbucks Corfe Mullen Route 303 Restaurant in Honiton.

Like all of InstaVolt’s existing charging stations, drivers can pay by simply tapping their contactless credit or debit card, something the Government has recently said that all networks should be capable of by Spring 2020.

Adrian Keen, chief financial officer at InstaVolt, said: “This technology has the potential to halve charging time for some of our users, which is incredibly exciting. The electric vehicle space is moving at lightning pace and we’re constantly working to ensure we’re prepared for the EVs of the future.”

InstaVolt’s existing network of 50kW rapid charging stations will continue to charge the majority of vehicles on the road at their maximum capacity.

However, as new vehicles enter the market with larger batteries and higher speed charging capacities, ChargePoint Express 250 ultra-rapid chargers and software will enable InstaVolt to be amongst the first in the UK to offer drivers charging speeds of up to 125kW.

The new charging technology is expected to be highly popular with drivers of larger battery EVs just starting to hit the marketing including the Mercedes Benz EQC, Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron which are capable of charging at up to 110kW, 100kW and 150kW respectively.  

ChargePoint Express 250 high powered chargers enable power to be shared dynamically between two units, meaning two cars can still charge simultaneously at any dual-station location.

The stations, which can be upgraded to deliver even faster rates of charging as battery technology evolves, use high efficiency power conversion to reduce electricity costs and wasted energy. All deliver electricity from 100% renewable sources.

Christopher Burghardt, managing director, Europe at ChargePoint, said: “ChargePoint is committed to creating the new fueling network to move all people and goods on electricity and we are delighted that InstaVolt is continuing to lead the way in making this a reality in the UK. ChargePoint’s ultra rapid charging solution not only meets the demands of all current EV drivers, but is prepped to surpass the needs of the next generation of EVs with ever increasing battery size and range.” 

One thousand new EV chargepoints are expected to be installed in residential areas as the Government invests an extra £2.5m to boost the UK's charging infrastructure.