Introduction of EV-Only Charging Station

BP has inaugurated the UK's first EV-only charging station in Hammersmith, west London. This move reflects the company's focus on ultra-rapid charging sites and its response to declining pump sales and increasing demand for electric vehicle charging.

The new facility is equipped with ultra-rapid chargers, wifi, clean toilets, an M&S Food store, and a coffee shop. Visitors can also use traditional filling station services like air, screenwash, and water, as well as pick up home deliveries or use digital parcel lockers.

Business and Market Trends

According to Richard Bartlett, BP Europe's senior vice-president, the company is shifting its focus towards ultra-rapid charging due to consumer demand. Data from the existing BP Pulse network shows a declining appetite for slower chargers, as electric car drivers prefer faster top-ups.

BP plans to roll out approximately 500 new ultra-rapid chargers per year, replacing lower-powered and sometimes unreliable older units. The company operates chargepoints in 225 fuel stations and aims to make its forecourts or hubs more competitive in the long run.

Market Competition and Challenges

The launch of the EV-only charging station may spell trouble for operators of standalone charging hubs in less viable locations and chargepoint operators with wider, but lower-powered, networks. BP's competitive advantage lies in its ability to offer competitive pricing due to scale and consolidation.