BP, a global energy giant, unveiled its latest milestone in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs) by inaugurating the largest EV charging hub in the United Kingdom. Situated at the crossroads of three major motorways in central England, this state-of-the-art facility has the capacity to serve up to 180 electric cars, marking a significant step in the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
The hub boasts an impressive array of 30 ultra-fast 300-kilowatt charging stations, capable of adding 100 miles (approximately 160.93 kilometers) of driving range in just 15 minutes. Additionally, the facility offers 150 7-kilowatt slow-charging points to accommodate a diverse range of EVs, ensuring convenient and efficient service for all electric vehicle owners.
BP’s ambitious plan involves a substantial investment of £1 billion (equivalent to $1.25 billion) over the course of this decade, with the aim of establishing numerous EV charging hubs throughout the UK. Akira Kirton, CEO of BP Pulse, the company’s UK-based EV charging division, affirmed this commitment and highlighted the pivotal role EV charging plays in BP CEO Bernard Looney’s energy transition strategy, which targets a return on investment of 15%.
One notable aspect of BP Pulse’s charging stations is their utilization of 100% renewable power, a significant contribution to reducing the carbon footprint associated with EV charging. This aligns seamlessly with BP’s overarching commitment to sustainable energy practices and environmental responsibility.
Regarding the financial prospects of the EV charging hubs, Kirton refrained from providing specific figures but did comment, stating, “We see really good utilization at our sites, and we absolutely have a number of our sites that are profitable.”
