InstaVolt had ambitious plans for one of the largest EV charging superhub sites in the UK and with that, the constraints on lighting and ecology were critical for it to get the planning approval needed.

Designed to accommodate a variety of vehicles, the site features drive-through bays for larger vehicles and towing setups, extra-long van bays, and dedicated accessible charging spaces to ensure inclusivity for all drivers.

The Winchester EV charging Superhub, is InstaVolt’s first location to incorporate an on-site solar farm alongside advanced battery storage technology.

Equipped with 870 solar panels and featuring 44 ultra-rapid 160kW chargers, the solar farm will work in tandem with battery storage and renewable grid power to ensure chargers operate at peak efficiency. By integrating solar energy and battery storage, the site reduces dependence on the grid, making large-scale charging hubs like this possible without solely relying on external power sources.

DFL were asked to create an ecologically focussed lighting scheme for the site, that considered the constraints of the surrounding area but still gave suitable lighting conditions for users comfort and safety.

​The InstaVolt Winchester EV Charging Superhub integrates advanced lighting and electrical designs to enhance sustainability, efficiency and user experience.​

Lighting Design

The Superhub's lighting design focuses on safety and environmental considerations. The site is illuminated with low-level LED lighting in the form of a "high" bollard solution with strategic complementary lighting columns for the main charging areas in the centre of the site, providing sufficient visibility for users while minimizing light pollution. This approach balances driver safety with the preservation of the night sky, reflecting a commitment to environmentally conscious design. ​

Electrical Design

The InstaVolt team took the lead on the electrical design side of things. The facility incorporates a ground-mounted solar array and a roof-mounted system on the café building, collectively hosting 870 solar panels. These installations harness the solar energy to power the 44 ultra-rapid chargers, each capable of delivering up to 160kW. ​

Complementing the solar arrays, the site employs a 4MWh battery storage system. This system stores excess solar energy, ensuring a consistent power supply and reducing reliance on the national grid. The integration of solar power and battery storage exemplifies a sustainable energy model, optimising renewable energy use and enhancing the resilience of the charging infrastructure.​

In collaboration with InstaVolt, the DFL team delivered a lighting package that ticked all the boxes. Not only from a planning approval process but right through to it being built on site. DFL were on hand to ensure the scheme went from concept to construction with no issues.

Additionally, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art CCTV and security services, ensuring a secure environment for all users. ​

Overall, the lighting designs and electrical infrastructure at the EV charging Superhub showcase innovative and sustainable solutions in EV infrastructure, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

It was a fantastic project to work on and we look forward to working on many more.