BP is planning to double its current ultra-fast charging network in Germany to 3,000 charging stations by the end of 2023.

Around 812k battery and plug-in hybrid EVs entered the German market in 2022 and market penetration is set to increase in 2023, adding pressure to the EV charging grid that still generates consumer range anxiety. Through its German subsidiary, Aral Pulse, BP is expanding its ultra-fast charging network, with a charging capacity of up to 300 or 350 kilowatts – with the disclaimer of the EV using the station having adequate technology.

Aral Pulse is working towards a goal of expanding its ultra-fast charging network to 5,000 stations in Germany by 2025. The company reported that its existing stations recorded a doubling in demand (electricity sales) in H2 2022 compared to the first half of the year and illustrates some of the future growth potential for conventional petrol stations. In Europe, May year-to-date sales of battery and plug-in hybrids surpassed 1 million units and grew by more than 21% year-on-year. In Germany, Europe’s largest market for electric vehicle sales, year-on-year growth for battery EVs was 25%, though plug-in hybrid sales actually fell in 2023 following the removal of government subsidies at the end of 2022.

The pressure for OEMs to meet net-Zero carbon emission targets will require rapid developments across the whole supply chain from raw materials, via refining and processing to the day-to-day infrastructure. To support the maintenance of its growing charging infrastructure and future plans, bp has invested EUR7.5M (US$6.9M) in Service4Charger, which is a third-party company providing skilled electrical engineers with the focus on installation and maintenance of charging stations for electric cars throughout Germany.