bp pulse, the electric vehicle charging brand of bp, has made a significant stride in supporting the electrification of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) fleets by acquiring the freehold of Ashford International Truckstop in Kent, one of the largest truck stops in Europe. Strategically located near Dover and the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, the acquisition underscores bp pulse’s commitment to facilitating the transition to electric mobility for HGV operators.
With a capacity to host approximately 20 mega-watt chargers (MCS), including 10 x 400kW and 125 x 100 kW chargers, the site is poised to become a vital charging hub for HGVs traversing the UK and Europe. This strategic move by bp pulse aims to address the comprehensive needs of HGV operators transitioning to electric vehicles, particularly those traveling across the channel via the port of Dover and Eurotunnel.
Stefan von Dobschuetz, general manager of bp pulse Europe, emphasized the importance of infrastructure in supporting fleet operators’ transition to electric vehicles, stating, “For fleet operators to consider going electric, they must be confident that the infrastructure is in place to support them. That is why we are thrilled to have secured the land to a crucial site near Dover as we strive to meet the evolving needs of HGV operators transitioning to EVs.”
The acquisition aligns with bp pulse’s mission to provide accessible and strategically positioned charging infrastructure along major truck corridors in Europe. Stefan von Dobschuetz further expressed the company’s commitment to unlocking the EV charging potential at the site and collaborating with national energy infrastructure partners to facilitate timely power connections for the ambitious project.
Ashford International Truckstop, currently owned by the GSE Group, offers 660 secure parking bays and convenience services for HGV drivers. Under the agreement, bp pulse will lease back the site to Ashford International Truckstop Ltd to operate the existing facilities while operating and managing the EV charging infrastructure.
Darrell Healey, Chairman of GSE Group, highlighted the synergistic partnership between GSE Group and bp pulse, stating, “Our knowledge and experience of operating arguably the best truck stop in the UK, combined with bp pulse’s capabilities in building the EV charging infrastructure required by our existing and future customers, is a perfect partnership.”
This acquisition signifies bp’s commitment to increasing investment in the transition to lower carbon energy while ensuring the continued supply of oil and gas. EV charging forms one of bp’s five ‘transition growth engines,’ alongside convenience, bioenergy, hydrogen, renewables, and power, as the company continues to drive sustainability and innovation in the energy sector.
