Ultra-rapid EV charging network InstaVolt has agreed to acquire 228 charging locations from the GeniePoint network, owned and operated by Equans.
The sites, which span local authority car parks, motorway, retail and hospitality destinations across the UK, will be rebranded and upgraded to InstaVolt over the next 12 months as the company continues to expand its national footprint.
The portfolio comprises 228 locations and more than 260 chargers, joining InstaVolt’s existing network of over 4,000 chargers, both operational and in build, across more than 950 locations.
Following completion, InstaVolt will operate over 4250 chargers from around 1,200 locations nationwide, becoming the first charge point operator in the UK to surpass the milestone of 1,000 sites.
InstaVolt will begin a comprehensive upgrade programme across the acquired estate, including enhanced grid connections, battery energy storage systems, improved signage and the deployment of BYD ultra-rapid charging technology.
The transition is expected to complete within the next quarter subject to relevant approvals and closing conditions. During the transition period, existing GeniePoint chargers will continue to be operated and maintained by GeniePoint until the chargers are replaced and upgraded to InstaVolt chargers.
Customers will continue to receive 24/7 support throughout the migration process, the company said. This transaction will not affect Equans non-public charging sites, it added, which will continue to be operated by GeniePoint for all private charging customers. Equans will also “maintain its focus on the growth and development of fleet and logistics electrification solutions”, it said.
The investment will increase the number of chargers at the acquired locations from more than 260 to over 400, while bringing InstaVolt’s customer experience to every location, including contactless payment, reliability with over 99% uptime, and no requirement for subscriptions or memberships.
The acquisition further strengthens InstaVolt’s unrivalled partner portfolio that already includes major consumer and property brands such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, Costa Coffee, British Land and LondonMetric.
Delvin Lane, Chief Executive Officer of InstaVolt, said:
“This transaction represents a major milestone for InstaVolt and for the UK EV charging industry. By surpassing 1,200 locations, we become the first charge point operator in the UK to operate more than 1,000 sites nationwide. It is a significant achievement that reflects the trust placed in us by drivers, landlords and major national brands.
“The UK EV market is moving quickly, with more than two million electric cars now on UK roads and demand continuing to grow. Drivers need infrastructure that keeps pace, and that means more chargers in the right places, working reliably, every time.
“Acquiring these sites allows us to bring InstaVolt’s reliability and simplicity to even more locations. It is a clear statement of our commitment to building the public charging network the country needs as it makes the switch to electric.”
Image courtesy of InstaVolt
