Volkswagen & BP Partner to Strengthen European EV Fast-Charging Network

The Volkswagen Group and bp have joined forces to rapidly build electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging sites across Europe to help boost adoption of EVs throughout the continent.

With a full build-out planned by 2024, the network’s first charger station, incorporating Volkswagen’s Flexpole 150kW charging units, will be installed in Dusseldorf, Germany. The units provide fast charging speeds of up to 150 kW, enough to deliver up to 160 km of driving in as little as 10 minutes, depending on the EV model.

The Flexpole units each offer two charge points and its integrated battery storage system eliminates the requirement for a dedicated substation.

Over the partnership’s next two years, up to an additional 4,000 charge points will be installed at bp Aral retail sites in Germany and bp retail sites in the UK. Ultimately, up to 8,000 charge points could be available across Germany, the UK, and other European countries.

The 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. Any EV driver will be able to use the new chargers as part of the bp pulse and Aral pulse network, enabling all EV drivers to participate in bp/Aral loyalty programs.

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