Volkswagen and bp have announced a partnership to deploy DC fast charging facilities at bp and Aral retail sites in the UK, Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

Oil giant bp aims to grow its public charging network to over 70,000 charging points worldwide by 2030. In the UK, bp pulse, the company’s charging arm, plans to have around 250 ultra-fast chargers (defined as chargers with a power output greater than 150 kW) operating at bp retail sites by the end of this year. In Germany, Aral pulse expects to have 500 ultra-fast charging points installed by year end.

“Enabling the rapid expansion of electric vehicles is core to bp’s plans to grow our convenience and mobility business, and supports our net zero ambition,” said Emma Delaney, bp’s Executive VP for Customers and Products. “Partnering with Volkswagen Group, we intend to address a key concern for people considering buying an EV: range anxiety. Together we can provide drivers in the UK and Europe with the fast, reliable and convenient charging solutions they need to feel more confident about making the switch.”

“Ultra-fast charging is the key enabler for e-mobility and therefore a main pillar for Volkswagen´s transformation,” said Volkswagen Group Board Member Thomas Schmall. “Together with strong partners like bp we take this important matter into our hands and will build up to 18,000 new chargers in Europe. That is about 1/3 of the estimated ultra-fast charging demand in 2025.”

Source: BP