Forecourt operator bp has launched its first new format EV charging and convenience hub at Cromwell Road on the A4 in Hammersmith, London.
Fuel has been removed from the site and five ultra-fast bp pulse 300kW chargers installed, each capable of charging two cars simultaneously, with canopies over the chargers.
Along with a redesigned convenience store, with upgraded wildbean cafe and M&S Food offer, to cater especially for EV drivers and customers on the go.
This combined food, drink and convenience offer reflects the increase in drivers’ expectations of services they want to access while their car is charging. Its design “enhances the customer experience by optimising the layout with an open and inviting environment and product offerings”, as well as “targeting customers who want food-for-now”, the company said.
The all-electric charging hub is part of the company’s broader strategy to evolve its network across the UK on the energy transition. As well as optimising existing sites, by adding bp pulse EV charging to its premium fuel and retail offer, bp will also develop new EV charging hubs with convenience offers.
NG Bailey, the UK’s largest independent services and engineering company, helped deliver bp pulse’s first new format EV charging and convenience hub in the UK in its role as principal contractor.
The contract involved the removal of traditional petrol pumps and the installation of high-power ultra-rapid chargers.
More than 50% of bp’s customers in the UK visit its retail sites purely to shop, and it will “test, adapt and learn” from live sites and customer feedback, it said.
The opening of Cromwell Road adds the fifth charging hub to bp pulse’s west London charging corridor along the A4 to Heathrow. bp pulse’s existing network now includes almost 3,500 rapid and ultra-fast charge points, including at over 225 bp retail sites.
Richard Bartlett, SVP for bp pulse and mobility & convenience, Europe at bp, said:
“The launch of our Cromwell Road EV convenience hub is a significant milestone in how we’re evolving to meet the needs of a new generation of EV drivers in the capital and beyond.
“This new format site is not just about providing fast, reliable charging where drivers need it but also delivering an outstanding retail experience, in a strategic location connecting central London with Heathrow and the west of England.
“Whether you’re looking for EV charging, traditional fuel, or just a great place to rest and recharge, bp is ready to become first choice for customers on the roadside.”
Alex Chilvers, Director for NG Bailey’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure team, said:
“We are delighted to have worked with bp pulse to deliver its first new format EV charging and convenience hub in the UK.
“This project marks a significant step forward in the transition to a more sustainable future for transportation. With the growing adoption of electric vehicles and the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, investment in critical infrastructure and ensuring we have more high-powered EV hubs, is essential to meeting these goals.”
Valerio Ferro, general manager at bp pulse UK, added:
“We are delighted to have worked with NG Bailey on this milestone project. Their extensive experience in delivering electrical infrastructure and long track record in providing EV solutions have been instrumental in the successful completion of our first fully electric charging and convenience hub in the UK.
“The new charging hub includes state-of-the-art chargers designed to meet the diverse needs of EV drivers. In Hammersmith & Fulham alone, the number of registered electric vehicles has grown from 350 to 6,500 since 2017, underscoring the increasing demand for clean energy solutions. This all-electric hub will help support the growing EV market and promote sustainable travel across the borough and the wider region.”
Image courtesy of bp
