Fast Charging: Volkswagen and BP Launch Their New Network

The Volkswagen group and the British company aim to install 8,000 charging points across Europe.

Just over a year after their partnership was announced, Volkswagen Group and BP have inaugurated the first charger in their new network of fast charging stations. It is located in Germany, in the city of Düsseldorf.

In the next 24 months, the two partners plan to install 4,000 charging points in Germany and England, at BP’s Aral service stations. Subsequently, other units will be installed. In addition to Germany and England, this second phase will include other European countries. VW and BP aim for “up to 8,000 charging points” by 2024.

150 kW Chargers

The network will consist of Flexpole chargers, which have a charging capacity of up to 150 kW. This installation, developed by Volkswagen, features two charging points. It is advantageous because it is easy to set up, requiring only a connection to the low-voltage electrical grid. The cost and installation time are thus optimized.

Charging stations integrated into Volkswagen’s navigation system

The installations will be open to all electric vehicle models. Users of the charging stations can subscribe to a loyalty program to enjoy benefits.

The location of the charging points will be integrated into the Volkswagen, Seat, and Skoda vehicle navigation systems. It will also be available in Volkswagen Group’s Elli app, which helps electric car drivers find a charger along their route.

Already involved in the Ionity project, Volkswagen is strengthening its position as a major player in the development of electric vehicle infrastructure. The German automotive giant plans to deepen its collaboration with BP later, still focusing on electric mobility.

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