E.ON Drive is acquiring the 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 going forward. The network comprises 79 locations with 370 charging points in total.
The former BP Pulse network will be operated under the Essent brand from now on.
Image: Essent
The locations will now operate under the Essent brand, with the addition of “Operated by E.ON Drive” at the charging stations. By doing this, Essent expands its existing energy offerings to include public fast charging. E.ON Drive Infrastructure remains the owner of the charging infrastructure and is responsible for investment, installation, operation, and maintenance. As the customer brand, Essent handles marketing and communications.
Most of the acquired locations are situated at OK service stations along heavily trafficked routes. This move is driven by BP’s withdrawal from the fuel station and charging business in the Netherlands. Catom had taken over the former BP stations and continues to operate them under the OK brand. The charging infrastructure at these locations is now owned by E.ON Drive Infrastructure. No financial details have been disclosed by the parties involved.
The network relies on Alpitronic’s fast chargers with a charging capacity of up to 300 kW. According to the operators, these chargers can achieve charge levels of up to 80 percent in about 20 minutes, depending on the vehicle.
17 of these locations are designed as so-called Mega Charging Hubs. Fast chargers with battery buffering are used at another 51 locations. These chargers charge their integrated batteries via relatively small power connections, allowing them to deliver high charging speeds even in areas with limited grid capacity.
Up to 300 kW at the fast charging stations
Charging can be done using standard payment cards and apps, as well as contactlessly via credit or debit card. Former BP Pulse customers should be able to continue using their existing cards and apps. According to the companies, all charging stations supply certified green electricity.
The acquisition also includes 45 secure development sites for new fast-charging hubs, which are planned to be built gradually over the coming years. In addition, E.ON Drive Infrastructure will now operate its existing 46 fast-charging stations in the Netherlands under the Essent brand as well.
According to Essent, this expansion immediately makes it one of the largest providers of public fast-charging infrastructure in the Netherlands. E.ON Drive Infrastructure itself describes it as one of the largest public fast-charging networks in Europe.
The sale in the Netherlands is part of BP’s broader withdrawal from mobility assets in Europe. In France, Sorégies is taking over more than 600 existing BP Pulse charging stations as well as nearly 200 more under development. In Austria, BP is selling 250 gas station charging infrastructure and its fleet business to Volenergy. In Germany, however, the company remains active in the charging business through Aral Pulse.