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.

The competition gives young local talent an amazing platform to showcase their skills and help them along on their chosen career of choice. The winners will also have specific market exposure with their faces, names and achievement widely shared across various media platforms.

To take part in the competition, designers had to create a new look limited edition cup which will be available to coffee lovers at Wild Bean Cafés across South Africa. Designers were encouraged to share how a cup of Wild Bean Café coffee inspires and adds to their everyday African vibe. Whether it be the first sip of coffee they wake up to before tackling their daily routine or be it their morning companion before hitting the road on a spur-of-the-moment sho’t left road trip.

Winner, Tannah Renou a second-year graphic design student from Vega in Durban, who took both first and third spot was inspired by the bright colour combinations of the various cultures in South Africa.

The second winner, Barry Beukes who is in his third year studying graphic design at Vega, is an experienced photographer who loves to travel through the rural parts of Africa embracing and capturing different cultures. “I took inspiration from different African patterns and textures from my photographs. The finished product is a combination of the various patterns I encountered over the years throughout my travels through Africa, bringing to life a design unique to Mzansi,” he adds.

The ultimate prize for both Tannah and Barry is the opportunity to have their award-winning designs featured on Wild Bean Café cups country-wide. They also received an Apple MacBook Pro with a full one-year Adobe CC licence.