Volkswagen Group joins BP to expand ultra-fast EV charging in Europe

Volkswagen Group and BP announced on Monday a strategic collaboration to expand ultra-fast electric vehicle charging across Europe.

Both companies will work together to deploy charging facilities at BP retail sites across the UK, Germany and elsewhere across the Continent.

The companies already signed a memorandum of understanding for their collaboration and intend to finalize agreements in coming months.

The partnership will provide EV drivers greater confidence in being able to access nearby, reliable, quality charging options.

BP estimates approximately 90% of people in the UK and Germany live within a 20-minute drive of a BP or Aral site.

Thomas Schmall, Member of the Board of Volkswagen Group and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, said the company aims to build up to 18,000 new chargers in Europe. “That is about 1/3 of the estimated ultra-fast charging demand in 2025,” he added.

Emma Delaney, BP’s executive vice president, customers and products, said: “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.

"Partnering with Volkswagen Group - one of the world’s great automotive companies - 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. By deploying ultra-fast charging, rapidly and at large scale, we can establish a leading position and help accelerate the take-up of EVs."

BP pulse is already the most used EV charging network in the UK and plans to have around 250 ultrafast chargers operating at BP retail sites by the end of this year.

Ultra-fast charging units, with a power output greater than 150kW, can charge a vehicle with the appropriate battery technology for a range of around 160km in just over 10 minutes ‎–‎ broadly as fast as refuelling at the pump.