Jolt Plugs Into the US With Volta Media Deal

Jolt’s purchase of Volta Media assets from Shell speeds its US entry and highlights a shift toward ad-supported EV charging models

20 Jan 2026

Australian electric vehicle charging and digital media company Jolt has agreed to acquire a significant portion of the Volta Media Network assets from Shell, underlining a new phase of consolidation in the EV charging market and accelerating Jolt’s expansion into the US.

The transaction reflects a move away from slow, organic network build-outs towards deals that can quickly add scale and market presence. While financial terms were not disclosed, industry reports suggest the deal includes a large share of Volta’s combined charging and digital media sites, giving Jolt an established US footprint without the delays linked to permitting and construction.

Volta built its profile by pairing EV chargers with large digital advertising screens in high-traffic locations, allowing for free or subsidised charging funded by advertising. Although the business has faced operational difficulties and restructuring in recent years, its media-led model remains attractive to charging operators seeking additional revenue streams.

For Jolt, the assets provide a way to strengthen site economics and compete in an increasingly crowded market. The company said the acquisition would accelerate its global growth, signalling that speed and scale have become central to the strategy of charging providers as competition intensifies.

The sale also points to a broader reassessment by large energy companies of their EV charging portfolios. As the sector matures, groups such as Shell are weighing which assets best fit their long-term plans, opening opportunities for more specialised operators to take control of existing infrastructure and refine performance.

Industry executives say the deal highlights a wider trend towards consolidation. Charging networks with strong locations, recognisable brands and diversified income, including advertising or retail partnerships, are better placed to attract investment and grow, while smaller or less differentiated players may face pressure to merge or exit.

Expansion through acquisition, however, brings its own risks. Operators must maintain network reliability and navigate a patchwork of local regulations across US states and cities.

Even so, the direction of travel is clear. As EV adoption continues to rise, larger and more integrated charging networks are emerging, suggesting the sector is entering a more competitive and capital-intensive phase. Moves such as Jolt’s acquisition of Volta’s media assets may signal the early stages of a reshaped US charging market.