InstaVolt and McDonald’s join forces to make electric vehicle charging more accessible
InstaVolt, Britain’s favourite EV charging network, has a new partnership with McDonald’s to install EV charging points in their Drive-Thru restaurants, to make electric vehicles more accessible in the post-COVID-19 recovery.
InstaVolt, the largest owner-operated network of rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers in the UK, are in a new partnership with McDonald’s. This partnership will roll-out EV charging points across McDonald’s Drive-Thru restaurants in the UK.
The first-of-its-kind partnership will increase the accessibility of rapid chargers across the country. By providing a network of convenient and recognisable locations for charging points, McDonald’s hope to play their part in the UK’s green economic recovery.
Installing rapid charging points in McDonald’s Drive-Thru restaurants will create a nationwide network, to support the increasing demand for EVs.
These new rapid charging points are capable of charging at 125kW and amongst the fastest EV chargers in the UK. They will not only cut charging time for motorists, but they will also make EV’s a more realistic prospect for drivers.
McDonald’s and InstaVolt’s partnership comes at a time when the UK is beginning to rebuild post-COVID-19, with a focus on low carbon industries. As more drivers than ever consider the switch to e-mobility, this venture fits in with the government’s green recovery and the UK’s target of net zero emissions by 2050.
Transport Minister, Rachael Maclean, has said concerning the partnership:
This exciting partnership between InstaVolt and McDonald’s, an iconic household name, is essential as we strive to change people’s perceptions of electric vehicles. We want to make clean vehicles the new normal by installing rapid charge-points in busy, popular public spaces.”
McDonald’s “step forward” in the EV industry
This partnership comes at a time when new research has revealed that convenient access to fast, reliable chargers remain a major barrier for people when considering buying EVs. It showed that three-quarters of people are unaware of their nearest charging location.
The demand for chargers could surge as the dramatic improvements in air quality during lockdown as UK motorists consider switching to EVs. Adrian Keen, InstaVolt’s CEO, has recognised the need for accessible EV charging points in the UK, stating“
With recent reports also indicating more people are considering EV’s given the significant drop in emissions during this pandemic, we hope our partnership with McDonald’s will help encourage them to make this decision. I very much look forward to working with McDonald’s to fulfil their ambition by rolling out InstaVolt chargers across the McDonald’s estate.”
With their pioneering technology, InstaVolt’s rapid charging points will deliver 80% of charge, in 20 minutes, at the Drive-Thru restaurants.
In their own research, McDonald’s identified current barriers to EV adoption. 54% of people who don’t own an EV, cite a lack of convenient charging locations as a barrier to buying one. Furthermore, 70% of people said they worry about struggling to find a charging point mid-journey.
The results also showed misconceptions around charging time. However, 43% of current non-EV owners, would be more likely to consider purchasing an EV if they were able to reach 80% charge in 20 minutes.
By introducing these rapid charging points, McDonald’s hope to make the switch to e-mobility more attractive and accessible.
Paul Pomroy, CEO of McDonald’s UK and Ireland has said concerning this exciting partnership:
Appetite for electric vehicles, which will be a central part of the UK’s efforts to build back greener post COVID-19, is growing. This partnership and ambition takes advantage of our scale, and is a real step forward for those already driving electric vehicles, as well as people considering making the switch. With over 1,300 restaurants, our ambition would mean you would never be far from a charging point.”
InstaVolt: Britain’s favourite charging network
InstaVolt has been able to build its industry-leading reputation through their high levels of reliability. Their easy to use, reliable products have led the company being named Auto Express magazine’s recommended charging point operator in April 2020. In a Zap-Map survey, the company have also been named the favourite charging network for multiple brands for two consecutive years.
Priding themselves on their state-of-art technology, InstaVolt ensure they live up to the reputation of Britain’s favourite EV charging network. Their nationwide team of engineers work around the clock to make sure customer’s charging experience is second to none.
Having more than 500 rapid charging points across the UK, it is a challenge that InstaVolt’s Network Performance Manager, Robert Batten, relishes, stating, “We have chargers in all four corners of the country – from Aberdeen right down to Padstow. One of the keys to our success is that we always put ourselves in the position of the driver and try and see things from their perspective. What they want is a charging station that is easy to use, delivers a quick charge and above all else, is reliable. Being clean and keeping sites looking attractive is also important because it all adds to the experience”.
To ensure their charging points are working to their full potential, and without issue, their engineers work to a strict maintenance programme. This programme involves workers continuously visiting and inspecting chargers on site. Not only this, but the company’s support team monitor the Network Operating System (NOS), to identify and address any issues.
CEO, Adrian Keen, has also stated about the success of his EV charging point company:
Our investment in the maintenance of the network has paid dividends and has been instrumental in our growth and attracting major brands as ur partners. Without doubt providing a reliable service to our customers is our number one priority. By self-delivering our maintenance rather than outsourcing to third parties, we can ensure that the service we offer is exactly what our customers expect.”
Accessible charging to allow EVs for all
Building their philosophy on quick and easy EV charging, InstaVolt is determined to make their charging points accessible. The company operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, there is no monthly subscription for members, drivers just tap their contactless payment and start the charging session.
With this first-of-its-kind partnership between McDonald’s and InstaVolt, accessible EV charging in the UK is on the rise. The installation of these charging points complement the UK’s green recovery plan and could aid the UK’s transition, to complete e-mobility.