Volkswagen Group and bp launch strategic partnership for fast roll-out of EV quick charging in Europe

Volkswagen and bp have launched a strategic partnership that can increase the adoption of electrical autos (EVs) throughout Europe, unveiling their first charger in Dusseldorf, Germany. The partnership goals to remodel entry to EV charging in key European markets by quickly constructing a fast-charging community throughout Europe by 2024 and delivering a seamless expertise for EV drivers.

bp CEO Bernard Looney and Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess launching the primary bp / Aral flexpole quick charger.

Volkswagen’s Flexpole 150kW charging items, every of which options two cost factors, have an built-in battery storage system, thereby overcoming one of many greatest obstacles to the fast roll-out of quick charging infrastructure in Europe in the present day—the necessity for high-powered grid connections.

The Flexpole items will be instantly linked to a low voltage grid which removes the requirement for a devoted substation and dear building work, considerably decreasing set up occasions whereas nonetheless offering quick charging speeds of as much as 150kW—sufficient to ship as much as 160km of driving in as little as 10 minutes, relying on the mannequin of electrical automobile.

The primary part of the roll-out will see as much as an extra 4,000 cost factors at bp’s Aral retail websites in Germany and bp retail websites within the UK over the subsequent 24 months. By the top 2024, as much as 8,000 cost factors might be obtainable throughout Germany, the UK and different European international locations.

EV charging is likely one of the key engines driving bp’s transformation to an built-in power firm. That’s why we’re so excited by our partnership with Volkswagen. Once you carry collectively one of many world’s main automotive makers and one of many world’s main power firms – the chance is big.

—Bernard Looney, chief govt officer, bp

bp is quickly increasing its EV charging community, together with at its intensive and conveniently situated community of retail websites. EV drivers will have the ability to cost in secure, well-lit stations with entry to extra providers similar to food and drinks for his or her journeys, in addition to bogs.

The charger places shall be built-in into the navigation and different in-car apps of VW, Seat and Skoda autos in addition to into Volkswagen’s charging utility, Elli, making it simpler for drivers to seek out obtainable charging factors. Any EV driver will have the ability to use the brand new chargers as a part of the bp pulse and Aral pulse community enabling all EV drivers to enroll and acquire rewards from bp/Aral loyalty applications.

Below the phrases of their settlement, VW and bp may also look to pursue additional alternatives collectively to offer future options for decrease carbon mobility.