Grant Shapps BP Pulse

Grant Shapps visited the BP Pulse headquarters in Milton Keynes

BP has announced plans to invest £1bn in electric vehicle charging in the UK over the next 10 years.

The investment will be used to enable the company’s EV charging division, BP Pulse, to approximately triple the number of public charging points in its UK network.

It will also be used to accelerate the roll out of 300kW and 150kW ultra-fast charging points, expand fleet products and services, and launch new home charge digital products and services.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “I am delighted that BP Pulse is supporting the transition to cleaner vehicles as we accelerate towards our net-zero ambitions and boost green jobs opportunities right across the UK. Convenient, reliable and affordable charging is key to our green revolution and this investment from BP will make it easier for drivers up and down the country to go electric.

“This step comes alongside the government’s publication of its landmark EV Infrastructure Strategy, showcasing the huge commitment of both the public and private sector in the nationwide switch to electric vehicles. EVs benefit from lower fuel, running and maintenance costs than their petrol and diesel equivalents and the strategy hopes to encourage drivers across the nation to make the switch.”

Richard Bartlett, senior vice president of BP Pulse, commented: “This £1bn investment is vital to provide the charging infrastructure the UK needs. We’re investing to build a world-class network. This investment allows us to deliver more. More high-speed charging in dedicated hubs and on existing fuel and convenience sites. More home charging services. And crucial enhancements to our digital technology that will make charging fast, easy and reliable.”

The announcement was made as Shapps visited BP Pulse’s UK headquarters for network expansion and customer care and operational centre in Milton Keynes, to unveil the government’s EV Infrastructure Strategy.