BP Pulse, the electric vehicle charging brand of BP, has recently acquired the freehold of Ashford International Truckstop in Kent, one of Europe’s largest truck stops. This acquisition is part of BP Pulse’s strategic initiative to establish a Europe-wide network of electric truck (EV) charging infrastructure.
Situated near Junction 10 and 10a of the M20, Ashford International Truckstop holds a strategic location close to Dover and the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, facilitating the movement of approximately 3.5 million trucks annually across the English Channel. BP Pulse sees this acquisition as an opportunity to assist HGV operators in transitioning to electric vehicles, addressing the evolving needs of the UK and European road freight sector.
The site has the potential to accommodate around 20 mega-watt chargers (MCS), including various charging options suitable for both on-the-go and overnight HGV charging. The installation of the first mega-watt chargers is projected to commence in 2026, with each charger capable of fully charging an HGV in approximately 45 minutes, providing an onward range of about 310 miles (500km), subject to various factors such as EV model, battery capacity, weather, and driving conditions.
Under the agreement, BP Pulse will lease back the site to Ashford International Truckstop Ltd, a part of the GSE Group, to operate the existing facilities and secure parking on a long-term basis, while BP Pulse will manage and operate the EV charging infrastructure.
BP aims to create a network of mobility hubs along key logistics corridors across the UK and Europe, providing freight operators with a range of energy options to support their decarbonisation journey. Already active in supporting the decarbonisation of road transportation, BP Fleet Solutions offer innovative energy and mobility solutions to help fleets decarbonise.
