McDonald’s has announced plans to introduce EV rapid charging points as standard across new UK Drive-Thru restaurants, through a new partnership with InstaVolt.
The fast-food retail giant said its ambition is to create a new nationwide charging network to support increasing demand for EVs, as the business looks to play its part in a greener economic recovery.
The partnership with InstaVolt, the first of its kind for a major UK restaurant chain, will also include the introduction of charge points at existing Drive-Thru restaurants within the McDonald’s estate where possible.
Paul Pomroy, CEO, McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said: “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.
“This boost to the EV charging infrastructure builds on our heritage when it comes to renewables. For the last 10 years we have run our delivery fleet on biodiesel produced from our fry oil, and our restaurants are powered by 100% renewable energy. Our ultimate ambition is to have more EV charging points on our premises than any other company in the UK and Ireland.”
InstaVolt’s new rapid charging points are capable of charging at 125kW and can deliver an 80% charge in less than 20 minutes. According to InstaVolt, the partnership will increase accessibility of rapid charging for drivers across the UK by providing a network of “convenient and recognisable locations” beyond service stations, residential streets and workplaces.
Adrian Keen, InstaVolt’s CEO, said: “With recent reports indicating more people are considering EVs 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.”
