A BASINGSTOKE-based electric charging company has started work on its second electric vehicle charging site in Iceland.

InstaVolt, which has its headquarters in Chineham, has begun work following its successful launch of Iceland's largest EV charging hub in June at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel just five minutes from Keflavik Airport. 

The new location will feature four ultra-rapid 160kW chargers at Fridheimar Tomato Farm - one of the country’s top tourist destinations, which is often included on the Golden Circle tour, just 20 minutes from Gullfoss Falls and 30 minutes from the world-famous geysers in Haukadular valley. 

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InstaVolt has plans for a further 200 installations in Iceland over the next two years. The charging stations, located at Fridheimar’s iconic restaurant, will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.

A company spokesperson said: "This represents an important target as Iceland looks to achieve its objective of banning the registration of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2030, while developing its EV charging network for both residents and tourists, who will be encouraged to travel sustainably around the country." 

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The development comes as in a speech on Wednesday, September 20, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pushed back the ban on new petrol and diesel cars in the UK, softened the plan to phase out gas boilers by 2035 and scrapped the requirement for energy efficiency upgrades to homes.

The Prime Minister said the shift was in response to concerns over the financial costs to British households — but insisted the UK, even with the changes, is still on target to meet the 2050 net zero target.

“The risk here to those of us who care about reaching net zero, as I do, is simple: if we continue down this path we risk losing the consent of the British people,” he said.

“And the resulting backlash would not just be against specific policies but against the wider mission itself, meaning we might never achieve our goal.”

Labour pledged to retain the 2030 target for electric cars if it wins the next election.