BP to buy leading UK electric vehicle charging company

BP is to buy Chargemaster, one of the UK’s leading electric vehicle charging network operators.

The move by the multinational fuel giant will see the company renamed BP Chargemaster, with BP taking control of 6,500 electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the UK.

Furthermore, the deal – for an undisclosed sum – will combine Chargemaster’s current network with BP’s 1,200 service stations, widening the availability of EV charging points in the country.

A new ultra-fast charging infrastructure is also due to be implemented as part of the move, with high-output 150 kW chargers capable of adding 100 miles of range to a vehicle in 10 minutes.

Chargemaster was founded in 2008 and has gone on to operate a network used by 40,000 drivers nationwide through its own charging company Polar.

Chief executive of Chargemaster David Martell 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.”

Following completion of the deal, motorists will see BP Chargemaster charging stations appearing on roads over the next 12 months.