A new BP Pulse fleet rapid charging hub has opened on Park Lane in central London; the first in a number of multi-charger hubs planned for major European cities.

Uber and other selected fleet customers will be able to access the new hubs

It’s said to be the first of its kind and can currently provide rapid 50kW charging for 10 vehicles simultaneously, with a further 12 chargers being added in the coming months.

A second site is already under construction in the Westminster area, while further hubs will open in other European cities. All will be sited at locations where fleet and operational vehicles need charging most, and BP Pulse is targeting at least 10 chargers per site.

Each location will also have additional facilities, including toilets, WiFi and refreshments, where possible.

BP Pulse said the hubs will further support the transition of businesses and fleets to electric vehicles and will play a vital role in its expansion plans; it’s aiming to grow its network of public EV charging points to over 70,000 worldwide by 2030.

BP’s EV customers already have access to around 8,700 rapid and ultra-fast charging points, including a fast-growing network at BP retail sites in the UK and Aral-branded sites in Germany.

Richard Bartlett, BP’s senior vice president, future mobility & solutions, said: “Fast, reliable charging infrastructure in convenient locations is essential to give business and fleet customers the confidence to make the switch to electric. That’s why we’re opening our new hubs at the heart of major cities across the UK and Europe, aiming to keep fleets charged and ready for business – whilst producing zero emissions.”

BP has also signed up Uber as its first fleet customer to get access to the new hubs, with dedicated charge points for Uber partner-drivers, supporting Uber’s vision to electrify all cars on its app in London by 2025. Partner-drivers on the Uber app will also benefit from discounts on BP Pulse public charging and home charging units.

Jamie Heywood, Uber regional general manager, Northern and Eastern Europe, said: “At Uber, we have been doing everything we can to encourage drivers to switch to electric vehicles, including launching Uber Green to make zero-emissions transport a reality. We know that one of the greatest barriers to electrification is the lack of rapid charging points in the right places that are convenient for drivers – BP Pulse’s fantastic new hub is a great step forward in making sure their needs will be met.”