This week has marked the launch of several UK milestone projects. The first sees InstaVolt begin construction at a motorway charging hub with integrated energy storage, while eEnergy has taken on its largest project to date. Finally, a new entrant to the EV infrastructure market, EVCP Solutions’ first charging hub is now operational.
InstaVolt building first motorway battery storage for EV charging
UK public charging network operator InstaVolt began construction of an EV charging hub with onsite battery energy storage along the M6 motorway.
Slated by the company as the first energy storage system (ESS) -integrated charging to be installed along the UK’s motorways, two battery energy storage system (BESS) units will be installed, one on either side of the road. The northbound side of the hub will have eight chargepoints, with seven installed on the other side.
The BESS will store energy generated by renewables and distribute it directly to the EV chargers, meaning that the charging hub needs a smaller grid connection. Using stored energy also means that even at times of high demand, the chargepoints will consistently deliver ultra-rapid charging performance.
Because the electricity used at the charging hub will not be subject to standing and capacity charges, InstaVolt is able to offer off peak charging rates of 60p (79¢) per kWh between 8pm and 7am.
InstaVolt said it plans to upgrade existing chargers at the site from 62.5kW to 160kW ultra rapid chargers. Construction of the M6 site marks its launch of a battery rollout programme at multiple charging hubs; it plans to install a further 12 BESS across its network, beginning at sites in North Wales and Eastbourne.
While it is the first ESS-integrated charging installed along a motorway, InstaVolt said it was able to build on its experience installing a similar system at its Winchester Superhub on the A34.
eEnergy to begin £330,000 installation at NHS sites
Net zero energy services provider eEnergy will take on its largest EV charging project to date for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.
The £333,000 (US$440,190) project will see 48 EV chargers, a mix of 7kW and 11kW units, installed across 10 sites. The chargers will be available for use by staff and the public at hospitals, clinics and offices owned by the NHS Trust.
The relatively slow charging speed lends itself to workplace charging, allowing drivers to plug in when they arrive at work and return home in a fully charged vehicle.
According to the company, it helped the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust secure government funding to back the project, though it did not state the amount.
Although it is eEnergy’s largest EV charging project, it is not its first; the installation comes as an extension to a successful earlier stage. Construction of this phase will begin in November and is due to complete at the end of January 2026.
EVCP’s first site opens after EVIEs win
New market entrant EVCP Solutions has launched its first network site in the UK at a retail hub in Southport. Under the brand ‘Charge & Go!’, the operational ultra-rapid charging hub features four bays with charging speeds up to 150kW.
To mark the launch, EVCP is running low charging prices for drivers who pay using contactless or the chargepoint operator’s (CPO’s) app of 69p/kWh (91¢/kWh). Charging is also available through roaming partners including Zapmap, Electroverse and Allstar.
The launch coincides with the CPO’s win at Solar Media’s EV Innovation and Excellence awards earlier this month, securing the award for EV Startup of the Year.
EVCP’s head of EV charging Graeme Patton said the company’s aim is “to support local businesses and residents, as well as bringing more EV charging infrastructure to rural areas and multi-use venues over time”.
He also shared that the firm will focus on “the right charger at the right time”, so while primarily developing ultra-fast sites, “AC technology is also part of our plan”.
