Volkswagen and bp to Roll out 8000 EV Charge Points Across Europe by 2024

Volkswagen and bp have partnered to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across Europe, unveiling the first charger in Dusseldorf, Germany. The aim is to deliver up to 8,000 Flexpole charge points across European countries by the end of 2024.

Their aim is to transform access to EV charging in key European markets by rapidly building a fast charging network across Europe by 2024.

‘Fast-charging’ refers to rapid charging at ≥50kW and ultra-fast charging at ≥150k.

Herbert Diess, Volkswagen’s CEO, stated: “Our strategy [is] to make individual mobility safer, more convenient and fully climate-neutral.

“The decarbonisation of Europe’s economy requires close collaboration across borders and sectors. We’re pleased to team up with bp to accelerate the roll-out of the fast-charging network across Europe.”

Charger roll-out

The first phase of the roll-out will see 4,000 Flexpole charge points rolled out at bp’s Aral retail sites in Germany and bp retail sites in the UK over the next two years.

The flexible battery-based chargers can be installed rapidly, as they do not require high power grid connections.

Emma Delaney, bp’s executive vice president, customers & products, stated: “The flexible battery-based chargers will accelerate bp’s fast charging network roll-out at our well-located sites in Europe.

“We are planning up to 4,000 additional charge points in Germany and the UK in the near term – a turbo-boost for our fast-charging network in these countries.”

Image courtesy of bp.
 

Charger integrations

Aiming to streamline access to charging points, charger locations will be integrated into the navigation and other in-car apps of VW, Seat and Skoda vehicles as well as into Volkswagen’s charging application, Elli.

EV drivers will also be able to use the new chargers as part of the bp pulse and Aral pulse network.

The charging point, Volkswagen’s Flexpole 150kW charging units, feature two charge points and an integrated battery storage system, mitigating the need for high-powered grid connections.

The Flexpole units can be directly connected to a low voltage grid. This removes the requirement for a dedicated substation and costly construction work, according to bp.

Depending on the number of vehicles charging and the level of charge in the battery, it also reduces installation times while providing fast charging speeds of up to 150kW.

This is enough to deliver up to 160km of driving in 10 minutes, depending on the EV model.

The announcement comes as bp expands its EV charging network. Their aim is to allow EV drivers to charge in safe, well-lit stations with access to additional services such as food, drink and lavatories.

Under the terms of their agreement, Volkswagen and bp will also look to pursue further opportunities together to provide future solutions for lower carbon mobility.