Rapid Charger Motorway Hub Opens by Instavolt | UK Government Launches New Capacity Market Consultation and UKPN Deploys Primary Outage Restoration Software for Power Outages
**Instavolt's EV Charging Network Expansion: A Game-Changer for the UK**
Instavolt, the UK's leading ultra-rapid public electric vehicle (EV) charging network, is experiencing significant growth and strategic partnerships, including fast food giants like McDonald's and KFC. With over 2,000 chargers nationwide, Instavolt offers ultra-rapid charging (150kW+) to address range anxiety among EV drivers.
Currently, Instavolt boasts the UK's largest and most advanced ultra-rapid charging Superhub in Winchester, marking a significant step in rapid EV charging infrastructure. The company has expanded into the Republic of Ireland, launching an ultra-rapid charging site at McDonald’s in Dublin (Belgard Road).
Instavolt's partnership with McDonald’s extends beyond the UK, hosting charging points at McDonald’s locations, including the expansion into Ireland. The company introduced off-peak pricing in 2024, allowing cheaper electricity rates between 10pm and 6am, enhancing affordability for EV drivers. Instavolt has also bolstered the Plugsurfing network with an additional 1,380 chargers, increasing access for over a million drivers in 30+ countries.
Looking ahead, Instavolt plans to continue its UK-wide infrastructure growth. As of early 2025, the UK has aggressively expanded its public EV charging network, with ultra-rapid chargers growing 66%, where Instavolt is one of the key players after Tesla. The government is investing heavily to address regional disparities and increase access, especially in underserved areas.
A new £63 million government boost supports better signage for EV charging hubs on major roads and motorways, which will enhance driver confidence and usage of EV infrastructure, including Instavolt's network. Beyond McDonald’s, Instavolt is expanding collaborations with fast food chains like KFC to host ultra-rapid chargers, leveraging high-traffic locations to improve charging convenience for drivers.
Instavolt emphasises 100% renewable electricity at all its ultra-rapid sites, supporting the UK’s net-zero goals. The company's strategy complements government initiatives aimed at increasing EV infrastructure accessibility and visibility to accelerate EV adoption.
The government has announced a £20 million e-mobility competition to promote the research and development of EV technology innovations. Instavolt aims to install 5,000 EV charging units by 2025 as part of a £50 million investment strategy. BEIS has launched a consultation on requiring all capacity market units to join the Balancing Mechanism, and higher capacity market prices are anticipated over the coming years.
The T4 capacity market auction cleared its 12th round on March 10 with a price between £20 - £15/kW/year, marking the first auction in which coal power plants were unable to participate, given that the deadline for coal power retirement has been brought forward to 2024. Despite uncertainty caused by the number of nuclear power plants expected to close in the coming years, this price remains in line with previous T-4 auctions.
The electricity market's maximum day-ahead price in the first week of March peaked at £683/MWh, more than three times the previous high seen in the first week of March for the previous six years. This high price is attributed to low levels of wind generation and the GB market becoming more dependent on imports. As a consequence of leaving the EU internal energy market, the GB market has left the day-ahead market coupling arrangements, leading to extreme prices for capacity when the GB market is under stress.
UK Power Networks (UKPN) has begun rolling out its primary outage restoration tool (PORT) software to speed up reconnections after an extra high voltage fault. Plans for a green hydrogen hub in the Scottish Highlands have been unveiled, to be powered by up to 15 offshore wind farm sites and located in Port of Cromarty Firth.
In conclusion, Instavolt is firmly established as a leading ultra-rapid EV charging network in the UK, with ongoing expansion—including significant partnerships with McDonald's and plans involving other fast food chains like KFC. The company complements government initiatives aimed at increasing EV infrastructure accessibility and visibility to accelerate EV adoption. Their strategy leverages high-traffic retail locations to provide convenient, fast, and green charging solutions across the UK and into Ireland.
Instavolt's expansion into the Republic of Ireland, partnering with McDonald's, marks the introduction of ultra-rapid charging in Ireland as part of their larger network. As Instavolt continues its growth, they aim to increase access to renewable energy in the finance industry by supporting 100% renewable electricity at all their charging sites.
The government's investment in EV infrastructure, including better signage for charging hubs and a £20 million e-mobility competition, aligns with Instavolt's mission to accelerate EV adoption. By installing 5,000 charging units by 2025 and bolstering partnerships with fast food chains like KFC, Instavolt seeks to further penetrate the energy market and contribute to the UK's transition towards a more sustainable future.
