EVwire Brief: JOLT, a similar ad-supported charging network to Volta operating in Australia, Canada, NZ and UK, signed an agreement to acquire a “substantial portion” of the Volta Media Network from Shell, marking its official entry into the United States. The price was not disclosed.
The transaction, subject to closing conditions, is expected to close on January 1, 2026, and will add “thousands of locations” across up to 34 states and 64 DMAs, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas–Fort Worth.
Context:
On January 21st, 2023, I wrote to you how Shell acquired Volta Charging, taking it private for $169M in cash.
Volta had 3,000 chargers up in the US, and their flagship product is the chargers with these large ad displays on 'em, located in high-traffic commercial locations. For example, stores like Kroger and Walgreens. Through this model, the charging was mostly free for the drivers.
Fast forward 2.5 years, and Shell shut down Volta Charging in August 2025.
Shell said the decision was part of its strategy to “focus on high-speed public charging at Shell-branded sites like service stations and standalone EV hubs.”
Shell allegedly also explored the sale of Volta earlier in 2025 but did not secure a buyer. As a result, the company said it will dismantle all Volta chargers by the end of the year — looks like, luckily, this might not be the case as JOLT will be taking over this opportunity.
QUOTE
“The Volta Media Network and JOLT share the same DNA – combining EV charging with a powerful media platform – making this acquisition a natural fit. Securing a significant US footprint represents a major milestone and a longstanding strategic priority for JOLT, strengthening our ability to serve drivers, advertisers, and partners while delivering on our growth ambitions.
These assets sit squarely in JOLT’s sweet spot: combining EV charging with digital media. We’ll bring our innovation and operational discipline to maximize their value for drivers, advertisers, and landlords.
JOLT’s acquisition ensures the Volta network continues to thrive, giving drivers, advertisers, and landlords confidence in its future at a time when its continuation had previously been uncertain.”
Source: JOLT
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