Napthens powers Booths’ EV charging rollout across the North of England

Napthens’ commercial property team is supporting Booths supermarkets in the continued rollout of ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the North of England, as the retailer strengthens its commitment to sustainability and improved customer convenience.

Working in partnership with InstaVolt, Booths has already delivered 88 charging points across its estate. Further installations are planned for 2026, including sites in Knutsford, Settle, Keswick and Ulverston.

Long-Term Legal Support for a Multi-Year Programme

The rollout has been progressing for more than six years. Throughout the project, Napthens’ real estate team has advised Booths on property matters, lease negotiations and site installations. My colleague and Senior Associate Clare Player has been integral in support the latter stages.

The team has helped secure 15-year leases with InstaVolt and guided Booths through the complex property considerations required to deliver large-scale infrastructure across multiple locations.

Strengthening Regional Charging Infrastructure

Beyond the environmental benefits of supporting the transition to electric vehicles, the Booths–InstaVolt rollout is closing significant gaps in charging provision across northern England. Many Booths locations serve rural or tourist destinations, including parts of the Lake District, where charging access has historically been limited.

Booths’ investment is improving convenience for communities and visitors, while also delivering measurable sustainability results. Since the first chargers went live less than two years ago, the stations have delivered:

• 3,346,497 kWh of electricity
• Equivalent to 11 million electric miles
• Or 450 trips around the equator
• Resulting in an estimated 640-tonne CO₂ saving compared with conventional fuel

A Win–Win for Sustainability and Customer Experience

Julie Newell, Property Manager at Booths, highlighted the benefits both to the business and its customers:

“Napthens has supported our strategic partnership with InstaVolt to install ultra-fast charging stations, and this brings multiple benefits – not only supporting our sustainability goals, but also providing a much-needed boost to charging infrastructure in the north west.”

“Many drivers now actively seek out our sites for their charging facilities – and while their vehicles charge, they take the opportunity to visit our stores. It’s a win-win that supports sustainability while driving additional footfall and convenience for our customers.”

A Forward-Thinking Approach to Future Mobility

As electric vehicle ownership continues to grow—battery EVs now accounting for over 22% of new car sales—Booths’ early investment ensures its estate is prepared for the long term.

We’ve worked alongside Booths for many years, and the work that Clare and the team has done on this project is a great example of our partnership in action.

It combines long-term estate management with forward-thinking sustainability objectives – something we’re proud to help bring to life. As EV adoption continues to rise, Booths’ investment in ultra-fast charging ensures its sites are equipped for the future.

InstaVolt CEO Delvin Lane also welcomed the partnership:

“It’s always great to work with forward-thinking organisations that share our commitment to expanding the UK’s charging infrastructure. Partnerships like this help us move closer to our ambitious goal of installing 11,000 chargers across the UK and Ireland by 2030. We welcome the continued support and enthusiasm in areas where there’s both a need and a strong appetite to support local communities and retail establishments.”

Driving the Region’s Transition to Cleaner Transport

With further installations underway and more locations planned for 2026, Booths’ ongoing EV charging rollout, supported by Napthens’ legal expertise and InstaVolt’s technology, is helping shape a more sustainable transport network across the North West. It is also setting a benchmark for how retailers can support community infrastructure while delivering tangible commercial and environmental value.