bp takes stake in Digital Charging Solutions GmbH

bp announced it has agreed to join BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG in their drive to extend and improve electrification by making electric vehicle charging more convenient, simpler and seamless.

Under the agreement, bp will become a 33.3% partner alongside BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG in Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS), a European developer of digital charging solutions for automotive manufacturers and vehicle fleet operators. bp’s acquisition of the stake in DCS will be subject to regulatory approval. The terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

DCS’s works with OEMs to integrate its charging solutions into vehicle operating systems, offering Plug & Charge for vehicle and charger to communicate seamlessly without the need for additional customer authentication. For example, DCS already operates “Mercedes me Charge,” “BMW Charging” and “Mini Charging” services.

DCS already offers access to 228,000 charging points in 32 countries giving OEMs, fleet customers and EV drivers extensive access to charging infrastructure across Europe.

As part of the agreement, bp’s European charging networks will be integrated into the DCS’s software system as well as Fuel & Charge for fleet customers, as a first step. bp said it aims to grow its network of public EV charging points by 2030 to over 70,000 worldwide. It currently has around 8700 charging points in Europe. The company is also rapidly growing its network of ultra-fast chargers and plans to have around 250 ultra-fast chargers operating at bp retail sites in the UK and 500 ultra-fast charging points across its Aral retail sites in Germany by year end. DCS customers will gain access to these additional charging points and bp will gain access to a wider customer base.

“Our aim is to make charging as convenient as refueling at the pump – fast, reliable and a great customer experience,” said Richard Bartlett, bp senior vice president, future mobility & solutions. “Joining forces with BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG in DCS, combined with the expansion of our ultra-fast charging network, will help provide drivers access to convenient charging where they need it. It also gives us access to a much wider customer base, ultimately driving up utilization rates on our network.”