InstaVolt, one of the UK's largest public electric vehicle charging operators, has announced a major investment in battery energy storage systems that could lead to significant savings for drivers. The company has confirmed a £2.5 million investment into five new battery energy storage system (BESS) sites, with a further 20 expected before the end of the year, according to GB News.
New Sites and Technology
The new sites include Hadfer Ltd at Bwch Moch Cafe, National Co-op at 311 Lower Addiscombe Road, Burney Group at Harwich 2, BNP Paribas at Northampton Williams Way, and Three Trees Farm Shop and Cafe. These join three existing operational sites at Winchester and Corley North and South. The system will store electricity on-site and distribute it directly to the chargers, allowing for a smaller grid connection and ensuring consistent ultra-rapid charging performance even during periods of high demand.
CEO's Vision
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, explained that battery storage is "one of the most powerful tools we have." He stated: "That saving goes to the consumer. When you factor in standing charges, VAT, and the full weight of infrastructure costs, passing savings on to drivers is not the easy option. It is the right one, and it is what we are committed to doing."
The firm has previously branded the technology as "revolutionary." Lane added: "We're the first to be able to provide this kind of battery storage system on a motorway network. This transformative project represents another important milestone for InstaVolt and for the UK's public charging infrastructure."
Industry Perspective
Dr Andy Palmer, founder and CEO of Palmer Energy Technologies, commented: "The grid connection problem is real and it isn't going away quickly. What InstaVolt has understood is that you don't have to wait for it to be solved centrally before you invest. Store cheap overnight power in batteries, draw it down during peak hours, pass the saving to the driver. That's not complicated, it's just disciplined infrastructure thinking."
This investment is expected to help ensure that EV charging remains scalable, sustainable, and ready for the next wave of electric vehicles. By reducing pressure on the grid and passing savings on to consumers, InstaVolt aims to make electric vehicle ownership more affordable and convenient.
