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BP and DiDi join forces to build EV charging network in China
BP and China’s Didi Chuxing (DiDi) have unveiled plans to form a new joint venture to build electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across China, the world’s largest market for EVs.
DiDi is a world-leading multi-modal transportation platform, offering users a full range of app-based options, including ride-hailing, automobile solutions sharing and other services. Its platform already has approximately 550mn users and over 600,000 EVs are running on it in China.
The joint venture will develop standalone, high-quality charging hubs to provide EV charging services to DiDi’s drivers and the public. The partners also intend to expand the venture into loyalty and convenience offerings and other fleet services in the near future.
The two companies have already opened a pilot site in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, with 10 fast-charging units, ranging from 60–120 kW. This site will migrate into the joint venture once live. The venture aims to expand rapidly, with an ambition to quickly become the leading EV charging provider in China.
China is the world’s largest and fastest-developing EV market, with around 50% of the world’s battery electric vehicles (BEVs) today. By 2030, around 80% of EV charging in China is expected to be done at destination, forecourt and fleet hub charge points.
BP plans to become a leading fuel provider for both conventional and electric vehicles in its businesses worldwide. Following the acquisition in 2018 of BP Chargemaster, the UK’s leading EV charging company, BP is now beginning roll out of ultra-fast chargers at sites in the UK. It has also invested in innovative fast-charging battery technology firm StoreDot.
In China, this work already includes an investment in NIO Capital’s investment fund, focused on China’s new energy vehicle ecosystem, and an equity investment in PowerShare, which offers an online platform connecting EV drivers, charge point operators and power suppliers.
Pilot EV charging site in Guangdong
Photo: BP
News Item details
Journal title: Petroleum Review
Countries: China -
Subjects: Electric vehicles, Forecourt retailing, Alternative fuels
