bp announced the opening of its first ultra-rapid charging station for medium and heavy-duty electric trucks in a recent news release, allowing enterprises in the industry to decarbonize more swiftly. Since 2000, tailpipe CO2 emissions have climbed by an average of 2.2 percent per year, according to the IEA.
The retail outlet in Schwegenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, operated by bp’s Aral brand, now boasts two state-of-the-art 300kw ultra-fast chargers intended for electric trucks, powered by 100 percent renewable energyii. The Schwegenheim location, located on the major B9 route, provides truck drivers with a convenient, safe, and well-lit charging station where an electric truck capable of charging at 300kw may improve its remaining range by about 150-200km during a driver’s mandated 45-minute break. Additionally, the driver has access to other services such as food and drink as well as facilities during their journeys.
Emma Delaney, executive vice president, customers & products, bp, said: “With the transition to electric vehicles well underway in Europe, we’re now seeing the move towards electric trucks. Truck manufacturers and truck fleet operators are demanding low carbon alternative fuels and electrification is an attractive option. Opening our first truck charging facilities at Schwegenheim is an important milestone for bp and the industry.
“Schwegenheim is a perfect example of what the industry needs – ultra-fast charging with safe charging bays for trucks, close to strategic road networks and a place where drivers can take a break and refresh with food and drinks.”
In 2021, around 1,000 battery electric trucks were sold in Germanyiv. In Europe that number is expected to reach over 150,000 units by 2030 with the highest penetration in Germany, at 43%v.
Daimler Truck, which is based in Germany and one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, launched its battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros for heavy urban distribution in 2021. The company has worked closely with bp to provide insights into the required layout, charging speeds, and convenience offers to provide truck drivers with the accessibility they need and a comfortable charging experience.
“I am pleased that bp and Aral pulse continue to support the electrification of German truck fleets. Zero tailpipe emission trucks will be crucial if we are to reach our decarbonisation goals and to expand the charging infrastructure across Germany. This project is another milestone for the electrification of mobility in Germany and Europe,” says Kurt-Christoph von Knobelsdorff, CEO and spokesman, NOW GmbH, National Organization Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.
bp is helping fleets accelerate their transition to low carbon – one way is through electrification. It believes there are key transport corridors which will benefit from a network of EV charging. The charging facilities at Schwegenheim add to Aral pulse’s growing network of ultra-fast chargers across the country. Aral pulse is Germany’s leading operator of public, high-power charging sites and has over 850 ultra-fast charge points for cars and lighter commercial vehicles located at its well-lit and manned Aral retail stations, offering high reliability as well as additional convenience services.
