Electric car drivers get a boost in Devon

Long car journeys have just got easier for electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Devon.

A rapid DC charging station has been installed at Blights Motors in Bideford, meaning drivers can top up and get back on the road in minutes.

The charger was installed by InstaVolt, which prides itself on having the quickest and simplest approach to charging. Unlike many other charging firms, drivers don’t need a membership card or subscription, they simply tap their contactless credit or debit card and start charging.

The decision to install an electric car charger marks another step in the evolution of Blights Motors, which is gearing up for an electric future. The company’s premises in Bideford comprises a petrol forecourt and car dealership, which is seeing an increased demand for electric cars.

Tim Blight, director of family-run Blights Motors, added: “Being in the automotive business, we’re seeing a rise in popularity of electric cars and we’re delighted to be able to cater for EV drivers with this rapid charger. It’s available for anyone to drop by and use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Tim Payne, CEO of InstaVolt, said: “We’re thrilled to add to the charging network here in Devon. Bideford was previously somewhat of a ‘blackspot’ for rapid DC charging but now drivers will be able to pull into Blights Motors and add hundreds of miles of range in minutes.”

The charger was installed for free and InstaVolt will continue to maintain and upgrade it without Blights Motors having to pay a penny. The company instead makes its money from the sale of electricity – 35p per kWh.

It’s an arrangement that has made InstaVolt popular with a range of businesses and organisations across Devon, including Mid Devon District Council which is also using InstaVolt to install chargers for free.

Blights Motors is no stranger to moving with the times. Tim Blight’s grandfather Jack founded the business in 1933 and started by shoeing horses as a blacksmith. When he saw the increase in popularity of the motor car he went on to repair cars and make car trailers and horse boxes. It then moved on to the sale of fuel for motor vehicles. The business was one of the first petrol forecourts to install canopies over the fuel pumps to keep customers day.”

Tim concluded: “We may be 85 years old but we’re always looking to the future. Installing rapid electric vehicle chargers is our latest example of that.”

Photo: Mayor Dermot McGeough with Tim Blight from Blights Motors. Copyright Graham Hobbs of Bideford.