F.Y.I.

JOLT to acquire major portion of Volta Media Network from Shell, marking US market entry

November 13, 2025 11:42

JOLT will become the world’s largest combined EV charging and digital out-of-home network following its acquisition of key Volta Media Network assets from Shell, expanding its footprint across 34 US states.

The announcement:

JOLT, Australia’s digital out-of-home (DOOH) and electric vehicle charging network, today announced an agreement to acquire a substantial portion of the Volta Media Network from Shell, marking its official entry into the US market and offering global scale to advertisers.

With this expansion, JOLT will further solidify its position as the world’s largest combined EV charging and digital out-of-home network, with its EV charger and DOOH network operations in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK, and now the US.

This acquisition, subject to closing conditions, will mark an important step in JOLT’s international expansion, by adding thousands of locations across US to its growing footprint, with sites spanning up to 34 states and 64 designated marketing areas (DMAs), including major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas–Fort Worth. JOLT will acquire a strategic selection of Volta assets to deliver maximum value for advertisers and property partners.

The integration of Volta’s network will build on JOLT’s pioneering model of combining DOOH display with EV charging, connecting brands with consumers at key moments in their daily journeys; from on the way into malls and restaurants to travel hubs and retail centres. Central to JOLT’s approach is its data-led advertiser proposition, delivering advanced targeting, audience measurement and performance insights that enable brands to engage customers with precision and relevance across its network. Leveraging Volta’s foundation and JOLT’s global expertise in streetside DOOH and fast EV charging, the combined network will deliver a seamless, measurable experience for advertisers and an enhanced charging experience for EV drivers.

The US expansion means JOLT can offer advertisers truly global scale, along with access to data and insights from its Spark Intelligence platform, providing contextually relevant, real-world environments. JOLT recently announced a significant enhancement to Spark Intelligence which will enable advertisers, for the first time, to use artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise digital out-of-home campaigns in real time, at scale.

That scale is reflected in the company’s global client base, which includes leading brands across retail, automotive, finance, technology, and quick-service restaurants, with global brands such as McDonald’s, Amazon, Toyota, Target and American Express among its advertiser partners.

“Our expansion into the US marks an exciting new chapter for JOLT and is a continuation of our growth story of an Australian owned company with global ambitions,” said Doug McNamee, JOLT CEO.

“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, and with thousands of additional chargers and screens across the US – the biggest out-of-home market in the world – we bring a compelling global proposition to advertisers.

“JOLT’s acquisition ensures the Volta Media Network continues to thrive, giving drivers, advertisers, and landlords confidence in its future at a time when its continuation had previously been uncertain.”

JOLT’s expansion underscores the growing convergence between mobility infrastructure and digital media, delivering measurable commercial outcomes for advertisers while accelerating the broader shift toward electrification. Looking ahead, JOLT plans to expand its presence across major US markets in 2026, partnering with leading advertisers, property owners, and municipalities to grow its integrated charging and media footprint.

The agreement is expected to close January 1, 2026, and is conditional upon satisfaction of closing conditions. Shell was advised on the transaction by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC.

In 2024, the JOLT digital out-of-home and charger network grew by 92%, giving brands more opportunities to reach urban audiences and drivers more places to charge than ever before. Last year, JOLT also expanded its footprint in New Zealand, rolling out charging stations in Wellington, while also launching into the Canadian and UK markets. JOLT’s operations in the UK were also recognised in the 2024 Electric Vehicle Innovation & Excellence Awards, winning Best EV Start-Up of the Year and Best New Services (C&I & Public).