BP Pulse opens first EV charging hub at an M&S store
BP Pulse has opened its first EV charging hub at an M&S store as part of its exclusive agreement signed in 2022 to roll out EV charging at the retailer’s shops across the UK.
The hub at the M&S shop in Cheshunt features 10 EV charging bays, including four ultra-fast 150kW and six rapid 50kW.
BP said the move reflects its approach of deploying high speed, on-the-go charging infrastructure at convenient, strategic locations for its customers. This may include on land owned by longstanding partners such as M&S, new dedicated EV charging sites like the BP Pulse Gigahub, which opened at the NEC in Birmingham last year, or on BP retail sites.
BP’s partnership with M&S dates back to 2005 when the first M&S Food store opened on a BP forecourt. There are now over 300 partnership stores across BP’s network, 150 of which also have BP Pulse charging bays.
Akira Kirton, chief executive of BP Pulse UK, said: “The opening of our EV charging hub at the M&S store in Cheshunt is a huge milestone; the first of a strategic rollout programme. This is a fantastic option for M&S shoppers, enabling them to top up their EV battery while they enjoy shopping in a brilliant retail destination.
“Convenience is a hugely important part of our aim to develop the UK’s best on-the-go charging network, and this is a compelling example of how we’re offering fast and reliable EV charging where it is convenient for our customers.”
Sacha Berendji, director of operations at M&S, said: “Investing in our stores to make them bigger, better, brighter destinations for the broadest range of customers, including more family shoppers, is a key part of our strategy to Reshape M&S for Growth.
“EV charging will become an increasingly important part of the store offer. The new Cheshunt hub includes ultra-fast bp pulse charge points, making it quick and convenient for customers to charge while they shop. It’s also an important part of our Plan A roadmap to Net Zero by 2040.”