Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Infrastructure and TechnologyLatestNews

VW and BP to partner on ultra-rapid charging

Manufacturer Volkswagen has announced it is working with BP on the deployment of ultra-fast EV charging across BP retail sites in Europe.

The move will see ultra-fast charging networks from both companies with a memorandum of understanding for the two firms’ collaboration and they intend to finalise agreements in the coming months.

The partnership should see approximately 90% of people in the UK and Germany able to access a ultra-fast charger, as they live within a 20-minute drive of a BP or Aral site, according to the firms.

The agreement would also make BP the Volkswagen Group’s EV charging partner, with the integration of BP’s charging network into VW Group vehicles to make finding and paying for charging fast and simple. The network would also be available for other EV customers as part of the BP pulse network, improving access to ultra-fast charging for EV drivers more widely.

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.”

Thomas Schmall, Member of the Board of Volkswagen Group and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, said: “Ultra-fast charging is the key enabler for e-mobility and therefore a main pillar for Volkswagen´s transformation. 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.”

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.

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