Volkswagen Group and BP have launched a strategic partnership to deploy up to 8,000 new rapid charge points across Europe by the end of 2024. 

The partnership could bring up to 8,000 new rapid charge points across Germany, UK and other European countries by end-2024

The deal will see BP deploy 150kW charging units produced by Volkswagen at its retail sites, helping to quickly expand the rapid charger network in Europe.  

VW’s Flexpole flexible battery-based chargers can be installed rapidly, as they do not require high power grid connections. Instead, the units have an integrated battery storage system that means they can be directly connected to a low voltage grid. This removes the requirement for a dedicated substation and costly construction work, overcoming one of the biggest obstacles to the rapid roll-out of fast charging infrastructure in Europe today. 

The units each feature two charge points and deliver rapid charging speeds of up to 150kW, enough to deliver up to 100 miles/160km of driving in as little as 10 minutes, depending on the model of electric vehicle. 

The first charging unit is already live and open to the public in Düsseldorf, Germany and will be joined by an additional 4,000 charge points at BP’s Aral retail sites in Germany and BP retail sites in the UK over the next 24 months. 

By end-2024, up to 8,000 charge points could be available across Germany, the UK and other European countries.  

It’s part of BP’s work to rapidly expand its EV charging network, including at its retail sites, enabling EV drivers to charge in safe, well-lit stations with access to additional services such as food and drink for their journeys, as well as toilets. 

Bernard Looney, BP’s chief executive officer, said: “EV charging is one of the key engines driving bp’s transformation to an integrated energy company. That’s why we’re so excited by our partnership with Volkswagen. When you bring together one of the world’s leading car makers 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.” 

The charger locations will be integrated into the navigation and other in-car apps of Volkswagen, Seat and Škoda vehicles as well as into Volkswagen’s charging application, Elli, making it easier for drivers to find available charging points. The new chargers will form part of the BP Pulse and Aral Pulse charger network, which is open to EV drivers to sign up to. 

The two companies will also jointly explore other opportunities to provide future solutions for lower-carbon mobility. 

Herbert Diess, Volkswagen’s chief executive officer, said: “Volkswagen has been pioneering the transformation to e-mobility across Europe. Today we have the broadest offer of electric cars in the market and sold more EVs in the region than any other carmaker last year. Investing in everything from software to batteries and charging is part of our strategy 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 rollout of the fast-charging network across Europe.”