Marks & Spencer and BP Pulse have signed an exclusive agreement to bring high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging points to M&S stores across the UK.
The agreement will see BP’s electric vehicle charging business work together to install an initial 900 electric vehicle charge points in 70 of the upmarket retailer’s national stores in the next two years.
The roll-out will significantly expand BP Pulse’s network, growing the UK’s charging network and adding up to 40,000 kWhs of charging capacity to the UK’s EV infrastructure.
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A combination of ultra-fast (≥150kW) and rapid (≥50kW) charge points will be installed during the roll-out.
15 rapid (50kW) charge points are already live and open to the public at M&S Maidstone Eclipse and Southgate following successful pilot installations.
BP and M&S have a long-standing relationship, first teaming up in 2005 to introduce M&S Food stores at BP retail sites.
The new agreement is a major extension of their relationship as both companies collaborate to achieve net zero ambitions.
BP is backing Britain with plans to invest up to £18 billion in the UK energy system by 2030.
This includes up to £1 billion for EV charging infrastructure – a step forward towards BP’s global ambition of having more than 100,000 chargers installed worldwide by 2030.
“At M&S we’re reshaping the business for sustainable future growth in every sense,” director of operations at M&S, Sacha Berendji, said.
“From our award-winning ‘Shwopping’ initiative to our Fill Your Own refill concept, EV charging is the latest feature to ensure we have a store estate fit for the future, to help our customers live lower carbon lives.
Berendji added: “We know that services like EV charging are in demand from our customers, so we’re delighted to be offering this service and give more reasons for customers to shop with us.”
CEO at BP Pulse UK said, Akira Kirton, said: “We aim to provide fast, reliable, and convenient EV charging to our customers that fits in with their busy lifestyles.”
“We are excited to extend our relationship with M&S to put high-speed charge points at their stores, growing our network even further,” Kirton commented.
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration the UK needs to help accelerate the transition to lower carbon transport and we’re delighted to be working with M&S to make that happen.”
The news comes as M&S is to close stores on Boxing Day and allowing staff to spend time with loved ones, after extending its Christmas opening hours.
