A CHINEHAM-based firm has celebrated a major milestone.

InstaVolt has installed its 200th rapid charger, having put its first unit in the ground in Devon just over 12 months ago.

Since then, the company has become one of the biggest brands in public charging, and recently topped user satisfaction rankings for electric charging networks in the country that can be used by multiple models of EVs.

Chief executive officer Tim Payne says the speed at which InstaVolt has reached the 200 milestone, and results of the Zap-map driver survey, is proof that well capitalised private firms are leading the charge when it comes to expanding the UK’s public charging infrastructure.

Mr Payne said: “We are delighted to have reached this landmark in such a short time and it’s a credit to the team here and our stakeholders and partners who also do a terrific job. Our 200th station has been installed at Locks Heath Shopping Village in Hampshire. Retail sites are an ideal location for our rapid chargers as they offer drivers an easily accessible location with plenty of amenities, and are a natural fit with dwell times that match typical charging sessions.”

There are currently 10,888 public chargers in the UK. The majority of these are slow chargers which can take many hours to fully recharge a vehicle. Only 1,823 public chargers are rapid chargers, requiring just minutes to add significant range. InstaVolt believes that rapid charging will quickly become the principal means of public charging.

Mr Payne added: “In order for drivers to drive an EV in the same way that they are used to driving a conventional vehicle, they need to be able to recharge quickly and continue their journey. By using the InstaVolt network of rapid chargers drivers can be confident of a reliable experience, and being back on the road in minutes.”