Rapid chargers from InstaVolt are going into the ground in Mid Devon as the council’s EV plans in the area pick up the pace.
Instavolt’s units are accessible to anyone on a pay-as-you-go basis, with a cost of 35p/kWh. There are no other costs such as connection fees or membership subscription though.
The first unit has been installed at Exe Valley Leisure Centre in Tiverton, with this – and the other points once they go online – available to find on Zap-Map. Select InstaVolt from the network filter list. There are already two non-mid-Devon InstaVolt charge points installed in Basingstoke.
InstaVolt is installing ChargePoint units, which is a relatively unknown manufacturer in the UK, but has a large market presence in the US. As usual, the rapid chargers will recharge an EV to 80% in around 30 minutes, with rapid DC CCS and CHAdeMO connectors available.
The chargers have been installed for free, saving Mid Devon District Council high up-front costs often associated with rapid charger roll-out. The council will receive a rental income from InstaVolt for the points being installed on its land, while the operation and maintenance of the units will be covered by InstaVolt.
Tim Payne, CEO of InstaVolt, said: “Installing the first rapid charger with Mid Devon District Council is a real landmark. The council is pioneering the use of a range of green technologies and we’re delighted to help them take this even further with this new initiative.
“The use of electric vehicles is set to increase dramatically over the coming years and thanks to the council’s forward-thinking attitude, residents and visitors to Mid Devon can rest assured that they’ll be able to re-charge quickly and easily if they adopt these eco-friendly vehicles.”
Councillor Ray Stanley, Cabinet Member for Housing at Mid Devon District Council, said: “This is an exciting development and the first of six rapid chargers we’re looking to install.
“I’m hoping this initiative encourages residents to have the confidence to purchases electric vehicles and so help us in our quest to improve air quality and drive down carbon emissions in the area.”