Skip advert
Advertisement

BP to buy Chargemaster electric car charging network

BP to add EV fast chargers at its 1,200 filling stations with its new BP Chargemaster venture

BP Chargemaster

Oil giant BP has announced that it intends to buy the UK’s biggest electric vehicle charger suppliers Chargemaster. The Luton-based company operates the Polar charging network with over 6,000 charging points across the UK, covering home, workplace and public installations.

BP currently has 1,200 filling stations in the UK and says that it will roll out ultra-fast chargers, including 150kW rapid chargers capable of delivering 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes, across its forecourts within the next 12 months. The oil company estimates that there will be 12 million EVs on UK roads by 2040, up from around 135,000 in 2017.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best electric cars to buy now

David Martell, Chief Executive of Chargemaster, said “The acquisition of Chargemaster by BP marks a true milestone in the move towards low carbon motoring in the UK. I am truly excited to lead the Chargemaster team into a new era backed by the strength and scale of BP, which will help us maintain our market-leading position and grow the national POLAR charging network to support the large range of exciting new electric vehicles that are coming to market in the next couple of years.”

The deal will see Chargemaster, which has 40,000 customers, rebranded as BP Chargemaster.  

Best plug-in hybrid cars to buy now

Tufan Erginbilgic, chief executive, BP Downstream, said: “Bringing together the UK’s leading fuel retailer and its largest charging company, BP Chargemaster will deliver a truly differentiated offer for the country’s growing number of electric vehicle owners. 

“We believe that fast and convenient charging is critical to support the successful adoption of electric vehicles. Combining BP’s and Chargemaster’s complementary expertise, experience and assets is an important step towards offering fast and ultra-fast charging at BP sites across the UK and to BP becoming the leading provider of energy to low carbon vehicles, on the road or at home.”

Does the birth of BP Chargemaster mark a significant moment in the rise of electric cars in the UK? Let us know in the comments...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025