With just one week to go until its grand opening, Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander has visited InstaVolt’s Winchester Superhub, an innovative site that sets a new benchmark for EV charging infrastructure in the UK.
The visit highlights the government’s support for private sector investment in EV infrastructure, ensuring EV adoption remains on track ahead of the 2035 petrol and diesel car sales ban.
Strategically positioned near the A34 and close to the M3, the Winchester Superhub is set to be a crucial connection point for EV drivers traveling between the Midlands, Oxford, and the South West.
When it opens on 24th March, the hub will feature 44 ultra-rapid 160kW chargers, making it InstaVolt’s and the UK’s largest and most advanced charging site to date.
Speaking during her visit, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“It was fantastic to visit InstaVolt and see them leading the way on the switch to electric vehicles with this impressive superhub.
“This government is spending £2.3bn, alongside £6bn of private investment, to supercharge the switch to greener vehicles, and only last week confirmed the availability of 75,000 public charge points – as we install a new one at a rate of one every 29 minutes.”
A vision of the EV service station of the future, the Winchester Superhub introduces new customer-focused amenities, including InstaVolt’s first integrated Starbucks café, offering drivers a comfortable space to relax while charging.
Unlike previous locations, where chargers were installed on sites with food and beverage facilities already available, this marks the next step in InstaVolt’s approach to enhancing driver experience at its flagship sites.
Additional amenities include 24/7 toilet facilities, a children’s play park, and a dedicated dog walking area, reinforcing the Superhub’s role as a convenient stop for all road users.
The site also represents a milestone in sustainable energy use, incorporating 870 solar panels and a 960kW/4MWh battery storage system.
This technology optimizes energy efficiency, reduces strain on the national grid, and aligns with InstaVolt’s commitment to 100% renewable energy.
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, commented: “The Winchester Superhub sets a new benchmark for ultra-rapid charging in the UK. We’ve designed it to be as convenient and reliable as possible for drivers.
“By integrating cutting-edge renewable technology, ultra-rapid charging and premium facilities, this site isn’t just about keeping up with demand – it’s about building the infrastructure that EV drivers need for the future.”
Luke Murphy, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Climate Change and InstaVolt’s local MP, added: “InstaVolt is a great Basingstoke success story.
“Headquartered here, employing here, but pioneering the delivery of the infrastructure that we need for a cleaner future right across the country.
“This brand new SuperHub in Winchester, which functions much like a traditional service station, is a vital step in ensuring drivers can switch to electric with confidence that they’ll always be able to get from A to B.”
With the combination of ultra-rapid charging, best-in-class amenities, and an eco-conscious design, the Winchester Superhub is set to become a flagship destination for EV drivers nationwide when it officially opens on Monday, 24th March 2025.
