E.ON Drive takes over BP Pulse fast-charging network in the Netherlands
E.ON Drive Infrastructure is taking over the former BP Pulse fast-charging network in the Netherlands and will operate it under the Essent brand in the future. The network comprises a total of 79 locations with 370 charging points.
The former BP Pulse network will in future be operated under the Essent brand.
Image: Essent
The sites will now operate under the Essent brand, with the charging stations displaying the note “Operated by E.ON Drive”. Essent is thus expanding its existing energy offerings to include public fast charging. E.ON Drive Infrastructure remains the owner of the charging infrastructure and will handle investment, installation, operation and maintenance. Essent, as the customer-facing brand, will be responsible for marketing and communications.
Most of the acquired sites are located at OK fuel stations along high-traffic transport corridors. This follows BP’s withdrawal from the Dutch fuel station and charging business. Catom had previously taken over the former BP stations and continues to operate them under the OK brand. The charging infrastructure at these sites is now being transferred to E.ON Drive Infrastructure. The parties involved have not disclosed any financial details.
The network uses fast chargers from Alpitronic with up to 300 kW of charging power. According to the operators, this allows vehicles to reach a charge level of up to 80 per cent in around 20 minutes, depending on the model.
17 of the sites are designed as so-called Mega Charging Hubs. At a further 51 sites, battery-buffered fast chargers are being deployed. These charge their integrated storage systems via relatively small grid connections, enabling them to provide high charging power even in locations with limited grid capacity.
Up to 300 kW at the fast-charging points
Charging is possible using standard charging cards and apps, as well as contactless payment via credit or debit card. Former BP Pulse customers will be able to continue using their existing cards and apps. According to the companies, all charging points supply certified green electricity.
The acquisition also includes 45 secured development sites for new fast-charging hubs, which are to be implemented step by step in the coming years. Additionally, E.ON Drive Infrastructure will now also operate its existing 46 fast-charging points in the Netherlands under the Essent brand.
With this expansion, Essent claims to immediately become one of the largest providers of public fast-charging infrastructure in the Netherlands. E.ON Drive Infrastructure itself describes the network as one of its largest public fast-charging networks in Europe.
The sale in the Netherlands is part of a broader withdrawal by BP from mobility assets across Europe. In France, Sorégies is taking over more than 600 existing BP Pulse charging points as well as nearly 200 more in development. In Austria, BP is selling 250 fuel stations along with their charging infrastructure and fleet business to Volenergy. In Germany, however, the company remains active in the charging business through Aral Pulse.