"The Climate Crisis Isn’t on the way, it is Already Here" - Adrian Keen, CEO of UK Charging Network, InstaVolt

Founded in 2016, InstaVolt is the UK's largest rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging network. Its mission is to make the UK a simple and reliable place for drivers to recharge.

"We have pledged to increase our network to 10,000 chargers by 2030, to aid drivers in confidently making the switch to electric," InstaVolt's CEO, Adrian Keen, tells Auto Futures.

"Our rapid EV chargers are simple-to-use, have no hidden fees and are known for their reliability, with availability of 99.9% across our network, giving drivers who have never before owned an electric car or van the peace of mind that they can top up simply and efficiently," says Keen.

Addressing access to chargers is another key part of the company's strategy. The company is planning on building its first Super Hub. The site proposal includes a combination of solar, battery and grid to create what will be the largest charging hub in the UK.

It will feature on-site amenities including food, drink, and toilets, together with a play area for children.

"The Super Hub will provide a substantial number of chargers for cars, and there will be the provision of longer bays for larger vehicles, vans, and towing vehicles. The site will also feature large ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar arrays and on-site energy storage systems which will contribute to the electricity used on the site," he explains.

Charging Up Iceland

InstaVolt's EV charging stations can help businesses gain new revenue streams. It has partnerships with leading brands in the UK, including Costa Coffee, McDonald’s Restaurants and Starbucks.

"As well as receiving an annual income from hosting InstaVolt chargers on their sites, our partners benefit from increased customer footfall, and the partnership with InstaVolt supports their ESG goals," says Keen.

Charger screens can also be used for advertising.

"Given the fast-approaching 2030 ICE Ban, chargepoint installations are expected to increase significantly. Businesses are always looking for new and innovative ways to advertise, and this is reaching a specific type of demographic – one that is eco conscious and largely ahead of trends – therefore you can envisage that a lot more brands will start utilising the network for marketing opportunities and new revenue streams."

InstaVolt is now looking to expand is business beyond the UK market. Earlier this year, it launched its first public charging hub in Iceland, after officially commencing operations there at the start of 2023. The installation is at Keflavík Airport.

"With nearly 80% of tourists renting cars while visiting Iceland, car rental companies are making commitments to include EVs in their fleets, encouraging tourist EV adoption to support the green transport transition, which is integral to reaching Iceland’s sustainability goals. InstaVolt Iceland’s roll-out of 200+ chargers across the country, will provide infrastructure to support this uplift," says Keen.

"The site includes 20 chargers, making it the largest rapid charging hub in Iceland, bringing much needed rapid charging infrastructure to Iceland through the same successful “tap and charge”, easy to use model which has spearheaded InstaVolt’s continued success in the UK market."

The company is also working on bringing its chargers to three other European markets; Spain, Portugal and Ireland.

Raising The Standards of Public EV Charging

The UK Government has set a target to install 300,000 EV charge points by 2030. However, as of April 2023. there were 40,150 public EV charging devices active in the UK (Department of Transport figures).

"There is still a lot of work to be done, but through consistently expanding our charging network – we’ve increased the InstaVolt network by 45% in the last year – maintaining our super hub strategy and fostering new partnerships, we, together with the rest of the industry, will ensure the provision is there to deliver on the 2030 target," says Keen.

Giving the cost of living crisis in the UK, there have been calls for an extension of the country's planned ICE vehicle ban by 2030.

"The timing of these calls is particularly eye raising given the wildfires in Southern Europe and record-breaking temperatures recorded. It shows a lack of ambition and selfishness from politicians who somehow seem to forget the climate crisis isn’t on the way, it is already here."

"These pledges and their outcomes will provide tangible improvements and help clean up dirty air. We know these policies aren’t always easy to deliver on, but they are integral to the delivery of sustainable transport in polluting cities and towns. Without government advocacy and support, consumer confidence will continue to dwindle when we need it most. The government said they would 'Build Back Green' – these rumblings fly in the face of these pledges," he adds.

Finally we asked Keen what will the EV charging experience will be like by the end of the decade.

"As simply and reliably as we are used to filling up our vehicles today, drivers will never be far away from reliable, quick charging technology that offers simple and transparent pricing, 99.9% reliability, at locations with great amenities to use whilst you charge. InstaVolt already offers this, and investment in the industry from new and existing competitors is helping to raise the standards of public charging to a level that drivers demand. It really mustn’t be any more complicated than that," he concludes.