Voltempo, a British clean-tech firm specializing in ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), has announced the appointment of Simon Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This leadership change is set to play a crucial role in the company’s efforts to expand its operations and accelerate the rollout of the UK’s largest depot-based eHGV charging network, a key component of the eFREIGHT 2030 project aimed at enhancing the country’s zero-emission transport infrastructure.

Smith’s extensive background in the EV charging sector, particularly his recent experience at InstaVolt, where he was instrumental in scaling one of the UK’s largest rapid EV charging networks, positions him uniquely to lead Voltempo during this pivotal phase. His expertise is expected to address several critical challenges that fleets face, including infrastructure readiness, cost, reliability, and operational uptime.

The appointment comes on the heels of Voltempo commencing series production of its advanced Megawatt Charging System (MCS), known as the Voltempo HyperCharger. This development marks a significant milestone in the UK’s transition to zero-emission road freight, reflecting the growing demand for efficient and sustainable transport solutions.

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Michael Boxwell, the founder of Voltempo, will transition to the role of Corporate Development Officer, where he will continue to influence the company’s strategic direction through product innovation and partnerships. Boxwell’s vision has been a driving force behind Voltempo’s pioneering approach to EV charging, and his new role will focus on engaging with government stakeholders and transport ecosystem partners to foster further growth.

Joining Smith in the leadership team is John Fox, who has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer. Fox brings over two decades of experience in mobility and energy, having previously served as Chief Technology Officer at Indra Renewable Technologies. His background includes significant roles at Rolls-Royce and GE Aviation, where he developed advanced engineering solutions.

The leadership team also includes Paul Jordan as Chief Commercial Officer and Benjamin Didier as Chief Financial Officer, both of whom will continue to support Voltempo’s mission to transform zero-emission transport and energy infrastructure at scale.

In a statement, Simon Smith expressed his enthusiasm for leading Voltempo during this transformative period, emphasizing the importance of creating robust and financeable infrastructure that aligns with the operational realities of commercial vehicle operations. He stated, “Our goal is clear: create robust, financeable infrastructure that improves efficiency for fleets and accelerates the transition to zero-emission HGVs across the UK.”

Boxwell echoed this sentiment, noting that Smith’s leadership will be crucial as Voltempo accelerates its efforts to deploy the largest eHGV charging network in the UK. The company is part of the UK government’s £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme, which aims to facilitate the adoption of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles.

As the demand for sustainable transport solutions continues to grow, Voltempo’s initiatives under Smith’s leadership could play a significant role in shaping the future of electric heavy goods vehicle infrastructure in the UK and beyond.