Marks & Spencer (M&S) and BP Pulse have signed an exclusive agreement that will see many of the former’s stores become equipped with rapid charging points for electric vehicles (EVs).
BP Pulse is the EV charging business of energy giant BP, which also makes the Castrol lubricant products. Two pilot charging locations are already open at M&S stores in Southgate and Maidstone, but the new agreement will see around another 70 stores gain EV charging points, with this being extended to further stores later subject to a feasibility review.
Each installed point will have at least 50 kW capacity for rapid charging, either as a solution with an integrated battery or a standard grid connection. Where feasible, the aim is to have at least one 150kW charging point at each site for ultra-fast charging. The new deal forms part of M&S’s plan to make its store estate fit for a low-carbon future.
BP Pulse UK’s CEO, Akira Kirton, said:
“We aim to provide fast, reliable, and convenient EV charging to our customers that fits in with their busy lifestyles and so, we are excited to extend our relationship with M&S to put high-speed charge points at their stores, growing our network even further.”
He added that this sort of partnership is precisely what is needed for the country to speed up its transition to low-carbon mobility, and he expressed his company’s excitement at having the opportunity to make this happen with M&S.
