bp pulse has signed agreements with Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate Investments that will see bp pulse invest in electric vehicle charging at 14 Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate Investment’s retail park locations across the UK.
The first site has gone live at Lyons Farm, Worthing (BN14 9LA), it has two rapid charge points delivering up to 50kW, and offers both CCS and CHAdeMO connectors.
The new charging facilities will provide customers with access to reliable, high-performance charging while visiting popular retail destinations. The additional retail parks that will benefit from the partnership over the coming months include Castle Marina Retail Park (Nottingham) and Fountains Retail Park (Tunbridge Wells), and Jubilee Retail Park (Weymouth).
The sites will include a mix of rapid and ultra-fast charging infrastructure. Ultra-fast locations will offer up to 10 ultra-fast and rapid charging bays, while rapid sites will provide two rapid bays each.
All bp pulse charge points can be found via the Zapmap app, charge points can be filtered by network, as well as power rating, connector type, user rating and more. Live data from every bp pulse charge point is shared with Zapmap, meaning users can access the live status and availability at any time.
Valerio Ferro, general manager, bp pulse, said:
“We’re making it easier than ever for drivers to charge as part of their daily routines. Retail parks are places people already visit to shop, eat and meet, so adding reliable, high-speed charging enhances that experience. Our collaboration with Columbia Threadneedle Investments brings convenient, future-ready charging to familiar locations, helping make the switch to electric vehicles simpler for everyone.”
Kannika Mall, Asset Manager for Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, UK, added:
“Retail parks are increasingly considered the favoured location for consumers seeking convenient and practical shopping experiences, while accessing the big multiple brands they want and expect. Part of retail parks’ appeal is that EV drivers only pay for their charging as parking is free and accessible. Improving the provision for EV drivers is a key strand of our asset management strategy for the portfolio. It also serves as a further and important step in our pathway to net zero across the UK business by 2050.”
Further retail park locations are under review for future phases of the rollout, with both partners exploring additional opportunities to expand the network.
bp pulse’s partnership with Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate is part of bp pulse’s broader ambition to expand regional coverage and deliver high-quality charging at convenient, high-footfall retail parks. The collaboration also demonstrates bp pulse’s continued momentum in building out its UK charging network and its interest in partnering with landlords and asset managers to create more convenient, future-ready charging destinations.
