InstaVolt deploys ChargePoint’s ultra-rapid EV chargers in the UK

InstaVolt is starting to install new ChargePoint Express 250 high-powered chargers, capable of up to 125kW charging, with the first now in the ground in Basingstoke, Hampshire. New stations will follow across the UK throughout the summer.

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.

This
has the potential to halve charging time for drivers and can add 125
miles of range in just 15 minutes where the vehicle's battery can accept
such charging rates. 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.

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. InstaVolt was the
first company in the UK to launch as a ‘fully open' tap to pay network,
meaning drivers don't need a subscription, membership or RFID card to
pay. The simple approach has been hailed by drivers.

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.”

Christopher Burghardt, Managing Director, Europe
at ChargePoint, Inc., stated: “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.”

The new ChargePoint Express 250 chargers
will be rolled out across the UK over coming weeks and months. In some
cases, they will be retrofitted at InstaVolt's existing sites. Locations
already confirmed for retrofitting with these new units are Starbucks
at Corfe Mullen Route 303 Restaurant in Honiton, which was recently
listed as one of the top 10 most picturesque places in the UK to charge
an electric car.