Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander has praised the creation of ultra-rapid charging hubs during a trip to an InstaVolt site.
Alexander visited the chargepoint operator’s Winchester site, due to open at the end of March, and which features 44 ultra-rapid 160kW chargers, making it the company’s largest UK hub to-date.
The visit followed the government highlighting its support for private sector investment in EV infrastructure, ensuring EV adoption remains on track ahead of the petrol and diesel car sales ban.
Unlike previous locations, where chargers were installed on sites with food and beverage facilities already available, the latest hub marks a step forward in InstaVolt’s approach to enhancing driver experience at its flagship sites. Additional amenities include 24/7 toilet facilities, a children’s play park, and a dedicated dog walking area.
The site also represents a milestone in sustainable energy use, incorporating 870 solar panels, and a 960kW/4MWh battery storage system. This technology optimises energy efficiency, reduces strain on the national grid, and aligns with InstaVolt’s commitment to 100% renewable energy.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“It was fantastic to visit InstaVolt and see them leading the way on the switch to electric vehicles with this impressive superhub.
“This government is spending £2.3bn, alongside £6bn of private investment, to supercharge the switch to greener vehicles, and only last week confirmed the availability of 75,000 public charge points – as we install a new one at a rate of one every 29 minutes.”
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, said:
“The Winchester Superhub sets a new benchmark for ultra-rapid charging in the UK. We’ve designed it to be as convenient and reliable as possible for drivers.
“By integrating cutting-edge renewable technology, ultra-rapid charging and premium facilities, this site isn’t just about keeping up with demand – it’s about building the infrastructure that EV drivers need for the future.”
Luke Murphy, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Climate Change and InstaVolt’s local MP, added:
“InstaVolt is a great Basingstoke success story. Headquartered here, employing here, but pioneering the delivery of the infrastructure that we need for a cleaner future right across the country.
“This brand new SuperHub in Winchester, which functions much like a traditional service station, is a vital step in ensuring drivers can switch to electric with confidence that they’ll always be able to get from A to B.”
Image courtesy of InstaVolt
