- Australia-based JOLT has officially announced its expansion into the United States with JOLT acquisition of Volta Media Network
- It does so in a landmark agreement to acquire the Volta Media Network, a business unit of Shell.
- The agreement marks a pivotal moment in JOLT’s ambition to become the world’s largest integrated EV-charging and digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising network.
JOLT acquisition of Volta Media Network marks strategic Leap into the U.S. EV Charging and DOOH Market
The JOLT acquisition Volta Media Network adds thousands of EV-charging stations and media sites across up to 34 states and 64 designated marketing areas (DMAs) including major metro zones like Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas–Fort Worth. JOLT’s model, combining EV chargers with digital advertising screens will now leverage the Volta footprint to scale rapidly across the U.S..
Why This Acquisition Matters for the EV & Advertising Ecosystem
By merging Volta’s underlying infrastructure with JOLT’s data-led DOOH model, the combined network bridges two high-growth domains: electrified mobility and out-of-home advertising. For advertisers, this means new context-rich real-world environments where they can engage drivers and audiences at the intersection of mobility and sustainability. For drivers and property-owners, it means more accessible charge points in everyday environments.
Leadership Commentary and Growth Ambitions for the US EV charging network
Doug McNamee, JOLT CEO, commented: “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 U.S. footprint represents a major milestone and a longstanding strategic priority for JOLT.”
McNamee added that the transaction “will accelerate our mission to make it faster, easier and simpler for drivers around the world to switch to electric vehicles.”
Operational Synergies and Driver Benefits
JOLT will integrate Volta’s assets into its global operations, combining charging infrastructure and DOOH media under one unified business model. For EV drivers, this means more charging sites, potentially shorter wait-times, and advertising platforms that support the business case for widespread charging. The network’s dual purpose means infrastructure is monetised via media, helping accelerate rollout and scale.
Implications for Advertisers and Property Partners
For brands, access to JOLT’s expanded network offers advertising placements in high-footfall, car-park and retail environments, locations that capture driver dwell time and attention. For property owners and landlords, the acquisition opens opportunities to partner with JOLT to install EV chargers and media screens, creating new revenue streams and enhancing asset value.
A sign of maturation for the US EV charging network
The scale of this deal signals that EV-charging infrastructure and DOOH advertising are converging and entering a more mature phase of deployment. JOLT’s global network – already active in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK and now the U.S. – shows how charging-networks are evolving beyond niche builds into platform businesses.
What Comes Next — U.S. Expansion Plans & Timeline
The acquisition is subject to closing conditions and is expected to be finalised by January 1, 2026. Mumbrella Looking ahead, JOLT is planning further expansions across major U.S. markets in 2026, signing property and advertiser partnerships and scaling its integrated EV-charging + DOOH footprint. This could also lead to zero cost charging campaigns with OEMs, as it has already done in the UK>
Final Thoughts
JOLT’s acquisition of Volta Media Network marks a watershed moment at the crossroads of electric mobility and advertising infrastructure, and a shift of EV charging from being a tech business to being a lifestyle business. By scaling its network into the U.S. and marrying charging stations with DOOH media, JOLT is not just expanding operations: it’s redefining how brands, drivers and property partners engage in the electrified future. Expect this deal to accelerate both EV-adoption and the monetisation of charging infrastructure via advertising, particularly with JOLT’s free charging, ad subsidised offer. At a time when the U.S. is stalling in its EV uptake, JOLT’s entry into the U.S. market is an important consumer confidence boost.
Authored by Ade Thomas
