Ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging network InstaVolt has agreed a national framework with Whitbread PLC, owner of Premier Inn, to install charging across its UK estate.
The agreement reflects InstaVolt’s recent acquisition of 228 GeniePoint charging locations from Equans, including charging infrastructure at more than 100 locations associated with the Whitbread estate.
Under the framework, InstaVolt and Whitbread will work together to identify and deliver new ultra-rapid charging facilities in Premier Inn locations, creating a pipeline of charging infrastructure at well-located destinations across the UK.
InstaVolt will also invest in existing charging facilities at Premier Inn locations. Over the coming months, sites will be upgraded with new ultra-rapid charging technology, enhanced grid connections where required, improved signage and a better charging experience for drivers.
Premier Inn is one of the UK’s largest hotel brands, with more than 845 hotels across the UK and Ireland, many on key road networks and in towns and cities across the country. InstaVolt operates approximately 1,200 locations across the UK and Ireland and has built its reputation around reliable and convenient charging.
Charging will be available not only to Premier Inn guests but also to the wider driving public, giving drivers convenient places to stop, rest and access hospitality facilities while their vehicle charges.
Delvin Lane, Chief Executive Officer of InstaVolt, said:
“This is a hugely exciting agreement for InstaVolt and a natural next step following our acquisition of the GeniePoint locations earlier this year. That transaction gave us an important footprint across the Whitbread estate..
“Premier Inn has an exceptional portfolio of locations across the UK. By combining that footprint with InstaVolt’s ultra-rapid charging technology, reliability and customer experience, we can create high-quality charging locations for Premier Inn guests and EV drivers travelling around the country.
“Crucially, this is not just about installing new chargers. We will invest in the existing estate too, upgrading facilities over the coming months and bringing them up to the standard customers expect from InstaVolt. It is exactly the kind of long-term strategic partnership we want as we continue expanding the UK’s ultra-rapid charging infrastructure.”
Lewis Cunningham, Trading Director – Premier Inn said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with InstaVolt to support EV charging across our Premier Inn estate. Our hotels welcome millions of guests every year and are located in communities and on key travel routes across the UK, making them natural locations for high-quality, reliable EV charging.
“As more of our guests and the wider travelling public switch to electric vehicles, we want our estate to evolve with their needs. This agreement enables us to build on our existing charging provision, upgrade facilities already in place and explore the rollout of ultra-rapid charging at more Premier Inn locations.”
