BP has announced new plans to invest £1bn (€1.2bn) in electric vehicle charging in the UK, marking its largest-ever EV charging expansion.

The plans will roughly triple the number of public charging points in BP’s UK network by 2030

Announced today as the Government unveiled its EV Infrastructure Strategy, the plans will roughly triple the number of public charging points in BP’s UK network by 2030. 

This includes enabling the deployment of more rapid and ultra-fast chargers in key locations – BP’s 150kW and 300kW ultra-fast charging points can provide EV drivers with up to 100 miles of range in around 10 minutes of charging. 

BP also committed to upgrading its current EV charging technology across its public charging network to improve reliability.  

The move will help to meet the UK’s fast-growing demand for EV charging and support the country’s transition to EVs for both consumers and fleet drivers. The company also expects this to support hundreds of new jobs in the UK. And it said that for every £1 it makes in the UK this decade, it plans to spend £2 – including investments to help the UK towards net zero.  

Richard Bartlett, senior vice president, BP Pulse, commented: “This £1bn investment is vital to provide the charging infrastructure the UK needs. We’re investing to build a world-class network. This investment allows us to deliver more. More high-speed charging in dedicated hubs and on existing fuel and convenience sites. More home charging services. And crucial enhancements to our digital technology that will make charging fast, easy and reliable.” 

The investment was announced during an official visit by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to BP Pulse’s UK headquarters in Milton Keynes. 

Shapps said: “Convenient, reliable and affordable charging is key to our green revolution and this investment from BP will make it easier for drivers up and down the country to go electric.   

“This step comes alongside the Government’s publication of its landmark EV Infrastructure Strategy, showcasing the huge commitment of both the public and private sector in the nationwide switch to electric vehicles. EVs benefit from lower fuel, running and maintenance costs than their petrol and diesel equivalents and the strategy hopes to encourage drivers across the nation to make the switch.”