British electric vehicle (EV) charging station operator InstaVolt has officially opened the UK’s largest ultra-rapid charging “Superhub”, featuring 44 ultra-rapid chargers, each capable of delivering up to 160kW of power, and its own on-site solar farm and battery storage system.
Located in the south of England in the city of Winchester, the Superhub is located strategically near two major roads, the A34 and M3.
It features 44 ultra-rapid chargers, each capable of delivering up to 160kW of power, and the site features drive-through bays for larger vehicles and towing setups, extra-long van bays, and dedicated accessible charging spaces.
The site is also the company’s first such charging hub to integrate an on-site solar farm, a 500kW system that feeds directly into two battery energy storage systems with a cumulative capacity of 960kW/4MWh.
The Winchester Superhub will be powered by a mixture of its own on-site solar and battery storage as well as renewable grid power – a first for the company.
“The Winchester Superhub isn’t just a charging hub – it’s a flagship site that sets a new standard for ultra-rapid EV charging,” said Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt.
“As our largest and most advanced site to date, it delivers industry-leading reliability at an unprecedented scale, ensuring drivers can charge quickly and with confidence.
“This site is also a milestone in innovation, marking our first-ever location where we are generating our own renewable energy – pushing the boundaries of sustainability and self-sufficiency in EV charging.
“Above all, we are redefining what EV drivers can expect when they charge, seamless, ultra-rapid, and future-proofed charging that makes the switch to electric easier, faster, and more accessible than ever before.”
The Winchester Superhub also features a range of amenities to enhance driver experience while they charge, including a dedicated on-site Starbucks, 24/7 toilet facilities, as well as a dog walking area and park with play equipment so that tired and antsy two- and four-legged companions can stretch their legs and burn off some energy.
The site is also monitored with state-of-the-art CCTV and security services, an air and water machine allows drivers to maintain their vehicles while they charge, low-level LED lighting keeps the whole site well-lit, and it is surrounded on three sides by trees.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.