In a strategic move towards bolstering its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, bp pulse, the electric vehicle charging brand of BP, has announced the acquisition of Ashford International Truckstop in Kent, one of Europe’s largest truck stops.
Situated near Junction 10 and 10a of the M20, the Ashford International Truckstop stands as a vital hub, servicing the UK’s busiest ferry port in Dover and LeShuttle Freight via the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone. Annually, approximately 3.5 million Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) traverse the English Channel through these routes. The acquisition marks a significant step for bp in meeting the evolving needs of HGV operators transitioning to EVs across the UK and Europe.
With a capacity to accommodate around 20 mega-watt chargers (MCS), including 10 x 400kW and 125 x 100 kW chargers, the site aims to provide comprehensive charging solutions suitable for both on-the-go and overnight HGVs. The first mega-watt chargers are expected to be operational by 2026, capable of fully charging an HGV in approximately 45 minutes, enabling a range of up to 310 miles (500km) on a single charge.
Stefan von Dobschuetz, General Manager of bp pulse Europe, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, emphasizing the importance of establishing robust infrastructure to support fleet operators’ transition to electric vehicles. He highlighted the strategic location of the truck stop near Dover and its alignment with bp’s mission to provide accessible charging infrastructure along major truck corridors in Europe.
The acquisition entails bp pulse leasing back the site to Ashford International Truckstop Ltd, part of the GSE Group, to operate existing facilities and secure parking on a long-term lease. Meanwhile, bp pulse will manage and operate the EV charging infrastructure.
Darrell Healey, Chairman of GSE Group, lauded the partnership between Ashford International Truckstop and bp pulse, recognizing the demand for convenient and rapid charging infrastructure among industry players. He expressed anticipation for the site’s evolution to serve electric trucks and hinted at potential future truck stop projects in the UK.
BP aims to establish a network of mobility hubs along key logistics corridors across the UK and Europe, offering a range of energy options to support fleet operators in their decarbonization journey. Already active in supporting the decarbonization of road transportation, bp provides innovative energy and mobility solutions for fleet operators across Europe.
In a notable initiative, bp launched Europe’s first truck charging corridor in January 2023 along a 600km stretch of the Rhine-Alpine corridor in Germany. With 21 Aral pulse EV truck stops already operational in Germany, bp pulse aims to bridge the gap between the UK and its German charging corridor, further incentivizing HGV operators to transition to electric vehicles.