InstaVolt to use battery storage to power ultra-rapid EV chargers on M6

Public ultra-rapid EV charging network operator InstaVolt has is to use on-site battery storage directly connected to its chargers at a motorway service area.

The project at Welcome Break Corley Services is located between Junctions 3 and 3A on the M6. 

Two large battery storage units are being installed on either side of the motorway.

The system, will store electricity on-site and distribute it directly to the chargers, allowing for a smaller grid connection and ensuring consistent ultra-rapid charging performance even during periods of high demand.

This the first stage of a battery roll-out programme, with an additional 12 batteries to be installed across the InstaVolt network over the coming weeks sites in North Wales and Eastbourne.

Once completed, the upgraded Corley Services on the M6 will enhance driver convenience and fleet efficiency along one of the UK’s busiest transport corridors, providing faster, cleaner and more resilient charging to motorists on the move.

In addition to the battery installation, InstaVolt will also upgrade the existing chargers from 62.5kW to 160kW ultra-rapid chargers, further improving charge times for drivers. The northbound site will feature eight chargers, while the southbound site will provide seven chargers for drivers travelling in the opposite direction.

Saving on standing and capacity charges this innovation supports InstaVolt’s off peak charging rate of 60p per kWh between the hours of 8pm to 7am.

Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, said: “We’re the first to be able to provide this kind of battery storage system on a motorway network. This transformative project represents another important milestone for InstaVolt and for the UK’s public charging infrastructure.

“We’re demonstrating how smart energy management can deliver reliable ultra-rapid charging while reducing pressure on the grid. It’s innovation like this that will help ensure EV charging remains scalable, sustainable, and ready for the next wave of electric vehicles.”

The installation at Welcome Break builds on InstaVolt’s experience installing a similar system at its Winchester Superhub on the A34 near Winchester, which features battery storage and solar power.

InstaVolt now has more than 2,200 chargers operating nationwide.