London gets first ultra fast EV chargepoint

BP Chargemaster has installed London’s first 150kW ultra-fast charging hub on a public network.

The hub went live at BP Hammersmith last week (October 11) and is made up of four 150kW chargers. The new site is the first ultra-fast charging hub to be installed in London, and part of a nationwide rollout of 400 by the firm before the end of 2021.

BP Chargemaster launched their first ultra-fast charging site in August this year, with the first two units installed at BP retail site, BP Cranford in Hounslow.

The company says offering convenient and reliable ultra-fast charging to drivers across the country is essential in supporting the uptake of EVs.

In August, a survey suggested that fears about a lack of charging points are the biggest factor behind people putting off the switch to EVs.

The survey also highlights concerns about limited battery range, with 57% of those surveyed saying this was still a barrier when it came to them considering buying an EV.

The findings come despite reports by the Department of Transport that there are now over 24,000 public charging connectors in almost 9,000 locations across the UK.

The new units are accessible through Polar, the UK’s largest public electric vehicle charging network, and will offer rapid charging of up to 150kW with CHAdeMO and CCS connectors. All four units are currently available on Free Vend for a limited time.

David Newton, chief operating officer of BP Chargemaster, said: ‘We believe our establishment of a nationwide ultra-fast charging network will be transformative for the electric vehicle market in the UK.

‘Working closely with global vehicle manufacturers, we are developing the solutions that electric vehicle drivers need to enable them to charge confidently and conveniently, wherever they are in the country.

Earlier this year, pub and restaurant firm Mitchells & Butlers agreed a deal with BP Chargemaster that will see rapid EV charge points installed at 200 of its sites.

The Ultracharge 50kW rapid chargers will also operate on the Polar network, which is backed with 100% renewable electricity, and will be available to use on either a pay-as-you-go or subscription basis.

In other related news, BP Chargemaster recently entered into an agreement with mobile transportation platform DiDi to develop EV charging infrastructure across China.

Photo Credit – BP Chargemaster