BP Pulse and APCOA Parking Group have signed an agreement to open more than 100 EV fast charging hubs across Europe, further accelerating urban e-mobility infrastructure.

The pan-European agreement will see hubs installed at APCOA car parks over the next three years

The hubs will be installed at APCOA car parks in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and the UK over the next three years.

The first hubs will go live in Berlin and Bremen in Germany in the third quarter of 2023. They will offer ultra-fast charging and will be able to charge a minimum of six cars, 24/7, operated by Aral Pulse, BP’s German brand.

The two firms will also integrate the BP Pulse and ‘APCOA Connect’ apps in the UK and ‘APCOA Flow’ app in Europe. Registered users will be able to locate, access, book and pay for their charging and parking at the car park from their mobile, and the car park’s entry and exit barriers will open automatically as the vehicle approaches.

The project is part of APCOA’s plans to transform its car parks into ‘Urban Hubs’ which will provide physical and digital infrastructure for mobility, logistics, e-charging and technology-based services.

Some of the hubs will also offer a ‘driver lounge’ including a vending offer of hot and cold drinks, seating areas with phone charging points, free Wi-Fi and restrooms will be available.

The two companies said the Urban Hubs will offer a solution to EV charging in well-lit city centre parking where available land is often scarce.

Stefan von Dobschuetz, general manager Europe at BP Pulse, said: “This agreement will help us to build our EV charging network across Europe by offering customers the fastest and most convenient EV hub charging experience. By working with APCOA, we’re bringing the future of parking, charging and services for urban life in one place.”

Philippe Op de Beeck, CEO at APCOA, added: “Working with BP Pulse is another step to achieve our plan to deploy 1,000 fast-charging stations through commercial partners in APCOA’s car parks. Doing so, we are providing customers added services in our locations and make a relevant contribution to the transformation of individual mobility.”