Leading EV charging network InstaVolt has appointed renewables expert Neil Hutchings as the company’s International Development Director. Hutchings will spearhead the company’s growth into European markets including Portugal, Spain and Iceland, as well as progressing its move into Ireland later this year.

With EV uptake increasing rapidly throughout Europe, the charging infrastructure in place doesn’t currently meet demand. InstaVolt’s European expansion aims to service these EV drivers with its award-winning infrastructure, making a considerable difference to consumers, especially in countries with significant uptake such as Iceland. The country has the second highest number of EVs per capita, yet only 175 DC public charging points to support this demand.

Following EQT Infrastructure’s acquisition of InstaVolt in February, the network has continued to make significant moves in the EV charging space. This year InstaVolt became the second largest rapid charging network in the UK, behind only Tesla, and this continued growth supports its pledge of installing 10,000 rapid EV chargers across the UK by 2032.

Prior to his appointment at InstaVolt, Hutchings was previously at multinational energy firm SSE, and during his 23 years with the company held positions including National Development Director and Managing Director of Telecoms and Utility Solutions. Neil joined Anesco for five years, taking director roles in operations and technical services, before founding his own energy consultancy.

“After working with InstaVolt on a previous project, I understand how the business works and what truly drives it,” said InstaVolt’s newly appointed International Development Director Neil Hutchings.

“InstaVolt has had a busy year following its acquisition by EQT and I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead its international growth plans and turn them into a reality. With nearly three decades of experience in the electricity and renewables sector, I’m confident I’m able to deliver results and broaden InstaVolt’s offering.”

This year InstaVolt became the second largest rapid charging network in the UK.

Hutchings’ role will focus on replicating InstaVolt’s success into multiple international markets to ensure EV drivers’ needs are met, in turn accelerating the uptake of EVs throughout Europe. The appointment is the latest in a series of new senior hires at the company, as the business embarks on an ambitious expansion plan across the UK and Europe.

“As one of the leading charging networks in the UK, we know how important a reliable infrastructure is to give consumers exactly what they need. Neil will be integral to delivering our trusted brand and consumer offering in new markets,” said Adrian Keen, CEO of InstaVolt.

“Neil’s broad and extensive experiences ideally position him to deliver our international objectives and replicate our reputation for class leading reliability and ease of use. We’ve identified these markets based on their imminent transition to electrification and the need to provide quality charging infrastructure in those markets.”

Last year InstaVolt was named the UK’s best public charging network in Zap-Map’s annual survey for the fourth year in a row and was also awarded the EVIE “Private Sector Infrastructure Strategy of the Year” award for the second year in a row.