ChargePoint and InstaVolt bring rapid charging to UK

10 May 2017 Charging station supplier ChargePoint will be building its network in Europe after signing an agreement with UK-based company InstaVolt to roll-out its rapid charging locations. The multi-million pound deal will see will see the British company purchase more than 200 of the fast charge systems to install at strategic points around the country. This marks the first time such charge points will be deployed in the UK. The first systems will be placed in the summer of 2017. The Express Plus charging systems, which can add hundreds of miles of range in as quick as 15 minutes, have been designed to be future-proof. The modular charging platform is built to scale as demand grows. Tim Payne, CEO at InstaVolt, comments: ′ChargePoint will fulfil two important criteria for us: the charging units are future-proofed so the units can be configured to meet the precise requirements of any site and can be scaled incrementally as demand for higher rate charging increases. This is particularly important as electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers begin to bring out new models with increased battery capacity. We are also committed to making sure the units are working 24/7.’ The deal between InstaVolt and ChargePoint comes after the American company secured $82 million (€72 million) in investments as part of its latest funding round to help it break into Europe. Simon Lonsdale, vice president, business development, ChargePoint, adds: ′InstaVolt has raised millions to install a DC rapid charge network country-wide across the UK. We are two companies that are committed to e-mobility in Europe, accelerating the driving revolution by making e-mobility a part of everyday life. InstaVolt is well positioned to help expand EV charging in the UK and are a great partner in this effort.’ The UK’s Department of Transport sees much growth coming in EV sales and the need for expanding charging infrastructure. While there are more than 90,000 EVs on its roads now, according to ChargePoint, that could climb up to 1.2 million by 2020. . According to government statistics, one of the biggest barriers that deters people from buying electric vehicles is the fear of not being able to recharge.