Winchester politicians “hugely impressed” by ultra-rapid EV charging superhub

Leading Winchester politicians said they were “hugely impressed” as they saw first-hand the progress being made on the new InstaVolt ultra-rapid EV charging superhub just north of the city as work enters its final phase.

Ahead of the official opening, Winchester MP Danny Chambers and Martin Tod, the leader of Winchester City Council and were given an exclusive tour of the development by InstaVolt’s CEO Delvin Lane and COO Matthew Tunstall.

Built by InstaVolt, the UK’s leading EV charging network, the Winchester Superhub will be one of the UK’s largest and most advanced ultra-rapid charging hubs.

Located close to the A34 and M3, it will feature 44 ultra-rapid chargers capable of delivering up to 160kW, making both long-distance and local EV travel easier and more convenient.

The Superhub has already supported jobs during construction and will create local employment going forward, with 14 new jobs being created at the on-site Starbucks café

Sustainability is at the heart of the project, with the Superhub serving as InstaVolt’s first site with an on-site solar farm, with 870 solar panels generating renewable energy to power the chargers via advanced battery storage.

This reduces reliance on the national grid, providing a cleaner, more cost-efficient charging experience. The site will also prevent 94.66 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, supporting Winchester’s and Hampshire’s climate goals.

Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester, said: “Anything that makes the transition to driving electric vehicles easier is vital for both the environment and our economy.

“I was particularly impressed by the integration between solar energy and EV charging which is a huge step towards true sustainability.”

Winchester City Council Leader Martin Tod emphasised the hub’s alignment with Winchester’s environmental vision. He said: “This project is a great example of Winchester’s strategy for a more sustainable future. One of our top priorities is to go ‘Greener, faster’ and InstaVolt’s work here delivers exactly that.”

“It shows how businesses and local government can work to build a greener future while creating jobs and supporting sustainable transport.”

“It brings our ambitions to life and provides a fantastic, cutting-edge facility right on our doorstep that both local residents and visitors can use.”

Delvin Lane, InstaVolt’s CEO added: “The Superhub represents a major milestone for EV infrastructure in the UK and I was delighted to welcome Danny and Martin to see first-hand the progress we’re making here.

“Their support is crucial as want our superhub to be an important part of the community. We’re proud to be supporting the local economy while making driving EVs much more accessible.

“Our Winchester superhub is setting the standard for how EV charging hubs should be across the UK —fast, accessible, and powered by renewable energy.”

Aiming to provide an experience of the service station of the future, drivers stopping to charge will benefit from on-site facilities, including a Starbucks café, children’s play area, and 24/7 toilet facilities, making it more than just a place to plug in.

As part of InstaVolt’s commitment to biodiversity, the site includes wildflower planting to attract pollinators, bat boxes, and log piles to support insect populations. These measures help protect local wildlife and enhance the area’s environmental sustainability.

Drivers can also benefit from InstaVolt’s recently extended off-peak charging hours, which allow them to benefit from a cheaper rate between 9pm and 7am.

With the official opening expected in early spring, the Winchester Superhub is set to become a flagship site for EV charging in the UK, demonstrating how sustainability, convenience, and economic benefits can go hand in hand.