UK-based BP has acquired a truck stop in Ashford, Kent, with plans to equip it with chargers for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
The Ashford International Truckstop is one of the biggest in Europe and occupies a strategic location off the M20’s Junction 10 and 10a. This means it has convenient access to both LeShuttle Freight through Folkestone’s Eurotunnel terminal and the UK’s busiest port at Dover.
Approximately 3.5 million HGVs cross the English Channel every year through these two routes.
BP, which also makes the Castrol metalworking and coolant range, will offer charging for electric HGVs under its BP Pulse brand.
The company says the site could host up to 125 100 kW chargers for overnight charging, and another 10 400kW chargers for more rapid charging. A further 20 megawatt chargers will also be available to fully charge a HGV in around 45 minutes.
The general manager for Europe at BP Pulse, Stefan von Dobschuetz, said about the plans:
“For fleet operators to consider going electric, they must be confident that the infrastructure is in place to support them. That is why we are thrilled to have secured the land to a crucial site near Dover as we strive to meet the evolving needs of HGV operators transitioning to EVs.”
The first megawatt chargers are anticipated to be available from 2026, although the scale of the plans will depend on how fast the freight sector electrifies, and the availability of a suitable power connection to the site.
