E.ON Drive Infrastructure is taking over the former BP Pulse public fast-charging network in the Netherlands, comprising 79 locations and 370 charging points. The network will operate under the Essent brand, expanding the Dutch energy supplier’s services into public fast charging while E.ON Drive Infrastructure retains ownership and responsibility for the charging infrastructure.
Under the arrangement, charging stations will display the Essent brand alongside the notice “Operated by E.ON Drive”. Essent will manage customer-facing marketing and communications, while E.ON Drive Infrastructure will handle investment, installation, operation and maintenance.
Fast-Charging Network Includes 79 Locations
Most of the acquired sites are situated at OK fuel stations along major transport corridors. The transfer follows BP’s withdrawal from the Dutch fuel station and charging business.
Catom previously acquired the former BP fuel stations and continues to operate them under the OK brand. The charging infrastructure at these locations is now transferring to E.ON Drive Infrastructure.
The network uses Alpitronic fast chargers with output of up to 300 kW. According to the operators, vehicles can reach an 80% state of charge in approximately 20 minutes, depending on the vehicle model and its charging capabilities.
Of the 79 locations, 17 are classified as Mega Charging Hubs. A further 51 sites are deploying battery-buffered fast-charging systems designed to deliver high charging power where grid connections have limited capacity.
These systems charge integrated battery storage units through relatively small grid connections and use the stored energy to support high-power charging sessions.
Battery-buffered Chargers Support Limited Grid Connections
Battery-buffered charging technology allows operators to provide high charging power without requiring an equally large grid connection at every location.
The approach is particularly relevant to sites where expanding grid capacity may be difficult. By storing energy and releasing it during charging sessions, the systems can support fast charging while managing the demands placed on local electricity connections.
The companies did not disclose the battery capacities of the installed systems or provide detailed technical specifications for individual sites.
Customers can pay using standard charging cards and apps, as well as contactless credit or debit card payments. Former BP Pulse customers will continue to be able to use their existing cards and apps.
According to the operators, all charging points supply certified green electricity.
Essent Network Expansion Includes 45 Development Sites
The transaction includes 45 secured development sites intended for new fast-charging hubs, which will be developed in stages over the coming years.
E.ON Drive Infrastructure will also rebrand its existing 46 fast-charging points in the Netherlands under the Essent name.
Combining the acquired network with these existing points will expand the company’s Dutch public charging footprint. Essent said the expansion would immediately position it among the largest providers of public fast-charging infrastructure in the Netherlands.
E.ON Drive Infrastructure described the network as one of its largest public fast-charging networks in Europe.
The division of responsibilities allows Essent to expand its customer-facing energy services while E.ON Drive Infrastructure continues managing the technical and operational aspects of the charging network.
BP Continues to Restructure European Mobility Assets
The Dutch transaction forms part of BP’s wider withdrawal from selected mobility assets across Europe.
In France, Sorégies is taking over more than 600 existing BP Pulse charging points, along with nearly 200 additional points in development.
In Austria, BP is selling 250 fuel stations, including their charging infrastructure and fleet business, to Volenergy.
Germany remains an exception to the broader retreat. BP continues to operate in the country’s public charging market through Aral Pulse.
The transfer in the Netherlands marks a change in the branding and ownership structure of a substantial public charging network, while preserving access for existing BP Pulse customers and creating opportunities for further expansion under E.ON Drive Infrastructure and Essent.
