They announced their plan to build 8,000 EV chargers across Europe for the next two years.
Automaker Volkswagen, along with BP-a British oil company—has launched their strategic partnership to boost the adoption of Electric Vehicles in Europe. They will roll out 8,000 EV fast chargers across Europe. Their first charging unit is now open to the public in Dusseldorf, Germany, according to a report by E and T.
BP will use Volkswagen’s innovative Flexpole 150kW charging units, which feature two charge points and have an integrated battery storage system. The battery will quickly charge the EVs without the need for high-powered grid connections. The Flexpole units can be directly connected to a low-voltage grid, eliminating the need for a substation and reducing installation time while still providing faster charging speeds up to 150kW. This will allow users to charge and drive in as little as 10 minutes, depending on the model of your electric vehicle.
BP aims to have up to 8,000 charge points by 2024. The first phase of the roll-out will present 4,000 charge points in Germany, the UK and other European countries over the next 24 months.
BP’s chief executive officer Bernard Looney said in a statement: “EV charging is one of the key engines driving BP’s transformation to an integrated energy company.” He added, “That’s why we’re so excited by our partnership with Volkswagen. When you bring together one of the world’s leading carmakers and one of the world’s leading energy companies – the opportunity is huge. This is a significant step forward on our journey to accelerate the electrification of transport in Europe.”
BP’s charging networks will be integrated into the dashboard navigation of VW, Cupra/SEAT and Skoda vehicles, so that the drivers can locate the charging points. Volkswagen’s charging application, Elli, would also help EV drivers can find the nearest charger easily. However, all EV drivers will be able to use the chargers in BP pulse and Aral pulse network.
