New EV Superhub to Open on the A303 Near Stonehenge
Construction is set to begin on a new service station with ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers along the A303.
InstaVolt, the operator behind the project, will redevelop the current Chicklade services, located about ten miles from Stonehenge in Wiltshire. The new facility will feature a 30-charger “superhub,” complete with a spacious café and farm shop.
Building work is due to start in August, with the opening scheduled for late spring 2026.
The A303 is one of the region’s busiest routes, often experiencing heavy congestion during peak travel and holiday seasons. InstaVolt CEO Delvin Lane said the development is a key milestone in the company’s growth:
“Chicklade is the next step in our mission to combine scale, sustainability and convenience. As EVs become more accessible and private investment increases, we’re proud to deliver the infrastructure that keeps the country moving.”
The hub will mirror InstaVolt’s Winchester site, using solar panels and large on-site batteries to support charging. Drivers will also benefit from discounted charging rates during the summer months.
The project is being developed on the 9,000-acre Fonthill Estate, which has worked closely with InstaVolt for the past two years. A spokesperson for the estate said:
“This partnership represents a long-term, sustainable investment that supports our local community, strengthens the regional road network, and contributes to regeneration and job creation across the area.”
Government backing for EV infrastructure continues to grow. Larger charging hubs will soon be signposted on major A roads for the first time, helping reassure drivers about the availability and reliability of charging points. Roads minister Lilian Greenwood added that a new public chargepoint is now being installed every hour in the UK, saying the government is working to make owning an EV “cheaper and easier.”
Polestar 3 Breaks World Record for Longest EV SUV Journey on a Single Charge
Smooth country roads in Norfolk helped the Polestar 3 set a new Guinness World Record for distance travelled by a production electric SUV on one charge.
In July, the car completed a 22-hour, 57-minute journey, covering 581.3 miles (935.44 km) while maintaining speeds between 30mph (48 km/h) and 40mph (64 km/h).
Sam Clarke, part of the three-man team behind the attempt, explained the strategy: “We started early in the morning on nice smooth flat roads in the Norfolk area where we could achieve maximum efficiency at relatively low speeds.”
The record surpasses the previous benchmark set in July 2024, when a Ford Mustang Mach-E managed 569.64 miles on a single charge.
Clarke, alongside teammates Kevin Booker and Richard Parker, are no strangers to efficiency feats. Collectively, they hold seven Guinness World Records for ultra-efficient driving. Clarke, who has over two decades of EV driving experience, said the challenges are always carried out in “real-world conditions on normal UK roads.”
“We want to push the limits wherever possible,” he added, highlighting the importance of flat terrain and warm weather. “That’s why we attempt these records in the summer.”
The rules of the challenge prohibit driving the same stretch of road twice, requiring constant route planning both the driver and navigator to constantly plan their route by both the driver and navigator. Unexpected hurdles also had to be managed, such as arriving in Melton Mowbray around midnight, only to discover road closures for an upcoming cycle race.
Despite the obstacles, the Polestar 3’s record-breaking run further demonstrates the growing capability and efficiency of modern EVs.
UK Dealers See Used EV Market on the Brink of Major Growth
Over 90% of UK car dealers believe the market for used electric vehicles (EVs) is nearing a tipping point, as drivers increasingly show interest in making the switch to electric.
The findings come from the latest Startline Used Car Tracker, compiled by APD Global Research, which surveyed 300 consumers and 60 dealers in August.
The report revealed that 93% of dealers now anticipate a pivotal moment for used EVs, while 53% said buyers are growing more confident in purchasing electric cars, and 51% view EVs as becoming just another standard stock option. Additionally, 41% of dealers noted that consumer interest in EVs is now more serious than ever.
Data from Auto Trader highlights the Volkswagen ID.3 as one of the fastest-moving used EVs in the UK. The average used EV is currently selling in 27 days, an improvement from 28 days in July and 29 days in August 2024.
