UK’s Largest Retail Park EV Charging Network Expansion Underway
UK electric vehicle (EV) charging provider InstaVolt and commercial property developer British Land have announced plans to install 273 ultra-rapid EV charging units across 18 British Land retail parks throughout the UK. The deployment is expected to be completed over the coming months, with five sites already live as of July 27, 2026. Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, described the rollout as one of the largest EV charging network deployments in the country’s retail park sector, designed to meet the rapidly growing demand in the EV market.
Lane emphasized that retail parks are ideal locations for ultra-rapid charging stations due to the extended time drivers typically spend on-site. He noted that charging demand can seamlessly integrate into consumers’ shopping or leisure routines, enhancing convenience while also driving increased foot traffic to the parks. While the five operational sites are situated within British Land’s retail parks, the specific locations have not been disclosed.
On-Site Battery Storage to Alleviate Grid Pressure
To ensure stable charging services during peak demand periods, InstaVolt will introduce on-site battery energy storage systems at two locations: Reading Gate and Kingston, Milton Keynes. These storage systems will be integrated with the charging units to reduce strain on the local grid and provide additional support during high-demand periods. Lane stated that this approach not only strengthens the resilience of the charging infrastructure but also lays the groundwork for future expansion.
InstaVolt highlighted that the deployment of battery storage will effectively balance grid load, preventing disruptions to power supply caused by surging charging demand. While the specific capacity and technical specifications of the storage systems have not been released, the company confirmed it will continue optimizing system performance to address the increasing demand for EV charging.
Off-Peak Discounted Rates Encourage Off-Hour Charging
All charging stations included in the initiative will operate 24 hours a day and offer off-peak discounted rates through the InstaVolt app. Drivers can take advantage of lower rates after 8 pm, which not only reduces charging costs for users but also helps balance grid demand. InstaVolt noted that the off-peak incentives are designed to encourage more users to charge during non-peak hours, further improving the overall efficiency of the charging network.
The 18 sites covered by the partnership span locations across the UK, significantly enhancing EV charging accessibility in retail parks. InstaVolt stated that as more sites come online, the expansion will further address the growing demand for EV charging in the UK. While the company has not disclosed the total investment or the power specifications of individual charging units, it confirmed that all stations will support ultra-rapid charging, enabling vehicles to recharge substantial power in a short time.
As one of the UK’s leading commercial property developers, British Land’s collaboration with InstaVolt marks a key milestone in the electrification of retail parks. With EV adoption continuing to rise, commercial property developers are increasingly incorporating charging infrastructure into their planning to attract more visitors. InstaVolt has previously deployed charging stations at transport hubs and commercial areas across the UK, and this expansion into retail parks will further solidify its leading position in the UK’s EV charging market.
