Volkswagen and the oil company BP have concluded a partnership to develop a network of electric charging stations. This is a logical step towards a smoother and faster transition to electric vehicles.
The manufacturer will install its own charging stations, the Flexpole, at various BP gas stations. The UK and Germany will benefit from the first installations. The two partners are aiming for 4,000 stations within two years, which will enable BP to increase its offer to 8,000 points.
The Flexpole is a charging station designed by Volkswagen to quickly charge a vehicle with a capacity of 150 kW. Every 10 minutes, they add a range of about 150 km. Using batteries, they can operate in locations with low power supplies. ” We are leading the expansion of charging infrastructure in Europe at high speed. Together with bp, we will put thousands of fast charging stations into operation in a very short time. The rapid expansion of the charging network is crucial today ” explains Thomas Schmall CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.
While the UK has promised 300,000 electric charging stations by 2030This project, involving a local player, BP, is a good omen. In particular, the country was planning to launch 6,000 fast-charging points along motorways.
There is also talk of an urban planning rule requiring all new buildings (shopping malls, housing, office buildings) to include charging stations. It remains to be seen whether BP’s stations will help it develop this network. In Germany, where the attachment to thermal power is still strong, the transition will certainly take longer.
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