BP Enters the EV Charging Market in Mzansi

BP, the global energy company, has entered the electric vehicle (EV) charging market in South Africa with a pilot project of two stations in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The chargers, which are branded under BP, are currently being tested and will soon be available for public use. This move marks BP’s entry into the EV charging market in Africa, and the company aims to provide a seamless, convenient and quick charging experience for its customers.

In an interview with BP, the company stated that the pilot sites will be open to the public for a set charge, which has not been disclosed yet. Payment will be facilitated through a digital support and interface partner, and the details of the partnership and actual costs will be released during the launch. The chargers have a power range of 150kw to 240kw, allowing for DC fast charging as well as AC charging. A full charge will take approximately 20 minutes depending on the EV model and specifications, of course.

Elsewhere, BP has upgraded the site power from 150A Three phase supply to 500A Three phase supply to accommodate the charging stations. The chargers are owned and run by BP, with digital support from an outsourced digital support and interface partner.

This pilot project is part of BP’s net-zero ambition and pivot into an integrated energy company focused on delivering solutions for customers. The company aims to put customers at the heart of what they do and help accelerate the global revolution in mobility, redefining the experience of convenience retail.

In recent years, BP has been expanding its presence in the EV charging market globally. In the UK, the company has installed over 500 charging stations at its retail sites and has had plans to install up to 70 ultra-fast chargers by the end of 2021. In the US, BP has partnered with Electrify America to install EV chargers at BP retail sites in California. BP has also partnered with China’s leading EV manufacturer, NIO, to install EV charging stations across China.

BP’s entry into the EV charging market in South Africa comes at a time when the country is experiencing an increase in demand for EVs. According to a report by Frost & Sullivan, the EV market in South Africa is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 25.6% between now and 2025. The report also states that the government’s push to reduce emissions and increase the adoption of EVs will drive the growth of the EV market.

The company aims to provide a convenient and seamless charging experience for its customers, with welcoming, convenient locations and fresh, high-quality food, coffee, and other products.

The pilot project will run for approximately 12 months at two sites; BP Broadacres (cnr Valley & Cedar Roads, Broadacres), BP Somerset (4 Somerset Road, Greenpoint) and the pilot outcomes will determine the next steps for BP. The company is on the final project stages and hopes to launch soon.

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.