Net Zero News InstaVolt EV Battery Storage Retrofit Funding Boost

Welcome to Net Zero News, where we bring you the latest developments driving the UK’s transition to a net-zero future. Today, Net Zero News can reveal that public ultra-rapid EV charging network InstaVolt has begun on-site battery storage construction at one of the UK’s first motorway services directly connected to its chargers.

In late October 2025, InstaVolt confirmed the start of construction at the newly developed Enfield Motorway Service Area on the M25. The project will see the installation of a high-capacity lithium-ion battery storage system alongside a cluster of 12 ultra-rapid chargers. InstaVolt is leading the work in partnership with Highland PLC.

InstaVolt, a leading operator of public charging infrastructure, is investing in a modular battery storage solution capable of delivering up to 4MWh of capacity. The system will charge from the local grid during off-peak periods and dispatch energy to the chargers at peak demand, reducing grid strain and enabling faster charge rates for electric vehicle drivers.

This installation aligns with the UK government’s commitment to ban new petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By integrating storage with charging, InstaVolt intends to support the rapid scaling of EV infrastructure required to meet the Road to Zero strategy, which envisages 300,000 public chargers by the end of the decade.

In a significant step towards the UK’s net-zero goals, the Enfield service area will demonstrate how on-site energy storage can unlock high-power charging without costly grid upgrades. This approach is expected to improve network reliability, reduce peak electricity costs, and avoid potential delays in charger deployment due to connection constraints.

The project is forecast to slash carbon emissions at the site by up to 90% compared to diesel generators traditionally used to supplement power. Furthermore, InstaVolt estimates drivers will benefit from 350kW charging speeds, cutting typical battery replenishment times to under 15 minutes and enhancing the appeal of long-distance electric travel.

InstaVolt has committed approximately £5 million to the Enfield development, backed by private equity and debt financing arranged through its strategic partner Montgomery Infrastructure. The company also secured a £1.5 million grant from Innovate UK to support the integration of smart energy management systems and advanced battery controls.

Highways England granted planning consent for the site earlier this year, and Enfield Borough Council has provided regulatory support, ensuring environmental assessments and archaeological surveys are complete. Local energy supplier United Energy Networks will handle grid connections and will monitor performance under a long-term operations contract.

Net Zero News understands this forms part of the Department for Transport’s wider EV Infrastructure Strategy, which promotes innovative charging solutions to meet surging demand. The programme encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors, aiming to streamline planning processes and accelerate the roll-out of charging assets across motorways and major roads.

The battery-charged motorway service model supports the UK’s National Infrastructure Strategy by demonstrating scalable solutions to energy flexibility. It also aligns with Ofgem’s target for 40GW of flexible capacity by 2030, integrating large-scale batteries with transport hubs to deliver both grid balancing services and consumer benefits.

Electric vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators will closely watch the Enfield site as a proof of concept for ultra-rapid charging at scale. Successful operation could reduce barriers to EV adoption for long-haul logistics, buses, coaches and high-mileage private drivers, potentially catalysing further investment in corridor charging infrastructure.

Local businesses around the motorway services may see increased footfall as drivers make shorter stops for charging, supported by on-site cafes and retail outlets. The project will also create up to 30 construction roles and five permanent positions for site maintenance and operations, contributing to local employment opportunities.

While the integration of high-capacity batteries presents challenges in terms of safety, thermal management and lifecycle optimisation, InstaVolt’s engineering team is deploying state-of-the-art battery management systems. These include rapid fire suppression units and real-time monitoring to safeguard assets and ensure consistent performance under heavy load cycles.

Construction is scheduled for completion by summer 2026, with trial operations commencing in September. Net Zero News understands InstaVolt will publish performance data during the pilot phase, offering valuable insights to regulators, grid operators and charge point operators planning similar installations nationwide.

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