InstaVolt to expand network to 10,000 rapid chargers by 2030

Electric vehicle (EV) charge point network InstaVolt has announced it will expand its network to 10,000 chargers by 2030.

The network has also committed to expanding its product offering and expects to include AC charger units within its network, as well as grow its power capabilities to 150kW at strategically identified roadside locations.

The EV charging network said it has experienced record month-on-month growth since lockdown restrictions eased earlier this year and is expanding existing sites to cope with demand.

Adrian Keen, chief executive officer at InstaVolt, said: “We must do more as an industry to improve confidence in the public charging network if we’re going to encourage drivers to adopt EVs.

“This involves changing the rhetoric that the public infrastructure isn’t fit for purpose.

“We changed the perception of public charging for the better when we installed our first chargers in 2017 and redefined what the customers expect in terms of reliability and ease of use.

“Now, we’re on track to deliver or exceed our earlier pledge of 5,000 rapid chargers by 2025 and are extending that plan to 10,000 units by 2030. Drivers trust us and our brand, and this is more reason to move away from fossil fuels.”

As cars have returned to the roads post-lockdown, the network is close to delivering 1.5GWh per month from renewable sources and is installing new chargers weekly, Keen said.

It was recently announced that new EV charge points, installed at home and in the workplace from May, will be pre-programmed to switch off during peak hours to ease pressure on the National Grid.

At the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association’s (BVRLA) autumn parliamentary reception, transport miniser Rachel Maclean said EV charging infrastructure is key to uptake.

Over the next four years, the Governemnt will invest £1.3 billion, with the current roll-out reaching 500 charge points a month, of which 100 are rapid chargers.

InstaVolt said it is taking its network to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in response to increasing customer demand.

> Interested in comparing electric vehicle data? Check out our EV tool.

> Interested in ensuring the efficient use of EVs. Check out our dedicated editorial sections: Insight & policy | EV news | Charging & infrastructure | Costs & incentives | Benefit-in-kind | EV case studies | EV road tests