Spar owner and bp pulse roll out ultra-fast EV chargers across Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Spar owner Henderson Group will be rolling out ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers across 100 sites over the next two years.
The grocer will be working in partnership with bp pulse – bp’s electric vehicle charging business – to install up to 200 EV charge points across Northern Ireland, including 30 BP-branded retail locations. Currently just 40 chargers are available across 20 Spar and BP sites in Northern Ireland.
Ron Whitten, Chief Financial Officer at Henderson Group said latest figures from the Department for Transport show new registrations of ultra-low emission vehicles increased by 55% in the past two years. While this steep trajectory in the growth of electric vehicles is only going to continue, Northern Ireland currently has just 60 ultra-fast charge points in operation. With this roll-out bp pulse aspires to create one of the region’s largest networks of ultra-fast and rapid EV charging, aiming to add up to 15,000 kW of charging capacity.
The bp pulse charging units feature an innovative integrated battery storage system. They are installed with a connection to a standard voltage power grid. This overcomes a significant barrier to the roll-out of EV charging infrastructure and removes the need for construction of a dedicated high-voltage substation, considerably reducing installation cost and time. Each charger has two charge points – one ultra-fast (150kW) and one rapid (100kW) – delivering a combined power of up to 250kW.
Akira Kirton CEO, bp pulse UK added, “Fast, reliable charging in convenient locations is essential to give drivers the confidence to switch to electric vehicles. Working with Henderson Group, a retail network that dominates the market in Northern Ireland, we have the opportunity and aspiration to create one of the largest networks of ultra-fast and rapid charging points – meeting the rise in demand for now and in the future.”
Mark McCall co-founder of the Electric Vehicle Association NI said, "This significant investment aims to bring over 200 direct current ultra-fast and rapid chargers to retail destinations across NI, making it easier and more convenient to drive an electric vehicle in Northern Ireland."
Whitten added, “We have a strong belief in reinvesting in our business and continually giving back to the Northern Ireland community. This rollout builds on the long-standing cooperation between bp and our Henderson Retail SPAR and EUROSPAR sites as the largest operator of bp branded forecourts in Northern Ireland.
“This is a significant step in Henderson Group’s commitment towards more sustainable business practices as part of our Tomorrow Matters strategy, focusing on People, Place, Planet and aims to develop the business in a way that is beneficial to both staff and customers while having a positive impact on society.