Not only car manufacturers, but also mineral oil companies want to serve the mobility market in the future. This requires not only the appropriate electric vehicles, but also the corresponding charging infrastructure. VW and BP now want to jointly expand this throughout Europe. Within the framework of the strategic partnership that has just been launched, a fast charging network with up to 4,000 charge points is to be created throughout Germany and the UK by 2024. A further 4,000 such charge points are planned in other European countries.
Charging points directly connected to the low-voltage grid
To this end, VW charging points will be installed at BP petrol stations in the United Kingdom and Aral petrol stations in Germany. At each of these, two drivers can charge their batteries with electricity at an output of up to 150 kilowatts.
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The charging stations are connected directly to the low-voltage grid. This means that neither a special transformer nor expensive construction work is necessary. This shortens the installation time while at the same time achieving a high charging speed. Depending on the vehicle model, a range of up to 160 kilometres can be recharged in just ten minutes, the manufacturer promises.
100,000 charging stations planned worldwide by 2030
The locations of the new charging stations will be integrated directly into the navigation systems of VW Group vehicles. This will make it easier for car owners to plan their journeys, including charging stops, more simply and efficiently. The collaboration is part of BP's strategy to become carbon neutral by 2050 and fully transition to electric mobility. As a next step, the company aims to build 100,000 charging stations worldwide by 2030. (su/mfo)
