In a landmark move marking a significant step forward in the electrification of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) across Europe, bp pulse, the electric vehicle charging arm of global energy giant bp, has announced the acquisition of the freehold of Ashford International Truckstop in Kent, one of Europe’s most strategically located and largest truck stops. This acquisition underscores bp pulse’s ambition to lead the transition towards a sustainable, electrified freight transport system across the continent.
Situated conveniently off Junctions 10 and 10a of the M20, the Ashford International Truckstop boasts a prime location near Dover, the UK’s busiest ferry port, and the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, making it a critical juncture for the approximately 3.5 million HGVs that cross the English Channel each year. The acquisition of this site offers bp pulse a unique opportunity to support HGV operators in their transition to electric vehicles (EVs), in alignment with the broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable transportation solutions.
With plans to outfit the site with approximately 20 mega-watt (MW) chargers, alongside 10 x 400kW and 125 x 100 kW chargers, bp pulse is set to transform the truck stop into a state-of-the-art EV charging hub. The installation of these chargers will cater to both on-the-go and overnight charging needs of HGVs, setting a new standard for EV charging infrastructure tailored to the freight industry. This development is contingent on the availability of power connections and the pace at which the road freight sector in the UK and Europe embraces electrification.
Stefan von Dobschuetz, General Manager of bp pulse Europe, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the importance of reliable infrastructure in encouraging fleet operators to adopt electric vehicles. He emphasized the strategic significance of the Ashford site in bp pulse’s mission to establish a comprehensive network of charging stations along major truck corridors across Europe. This vision includes the creation of a seamless link between the UK and bp pulse’s existing charging corridors in Germany, further facilitating the transition to EVs for HGV operators.
The Ashford International Truckstop, currently operated by the GSE Group, offers 660 secure parking bays and a range of convenience services for HGV drivers. Under the terms of the acquisition, bp pulse will lease the site back to Ashford International Truckstop Ltd, allowing them to continue managing the existing facilities while bp pulse takes charge of developing and managing the EV charging infrastructure.
Darrell Healey, Chairman of GSE Group, welcomed the partnership with bp pulse, recognizing the growing demand within the industry for accessible and efficient EV charging solutions. He praised the synergy between the operational expertise of GSE Group and bp pulse’s capabilities in EV infrastructure development, expressing optimism about the future of electrified freight transport at the Ashford site.
This acquisition is part of bp’s broader strategy to invest in the transition to lower-carbon energy sources, with EV charging identified as one of its keys ‘transition growth engines’. It follows the launch of Europe’s first truck charging corridor by bp along a 600 km stretch of the Rhine-Alpine corridor in Germany, a pioneering project that underscores the company’s commitment to supporting the decarbonization of road transportation.
Through strategic investments and collaborations, bp aims to create a network of mobility hubs across the UK and Europe, providing freight operators with a diverse range of energy options. This includes traditional fuels as well as emerging technologies, underscoring bp’s dedication to facilitating the decarbonisation journey of its fleet customers. The Ashford International Truckstop acquisition represents a significant milestone in this journey, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable freight transportation across Europe.
