BP, BMW and Daimler join forces to drive electrification

BP is to join BMW Group and Daimler Mobility in their drive to make electric vehicle (EV) charging more convenient, simpler and seamless for drivers.

Under the agreement, BP will become a 33.3% partner alongside BMW Group and Daimler Mobility in Digital Charging Solutions (DCS), one of Europe’s leading developers of digital charging solutions for automotive manufacturers and vehicle fleet operators. BP’s acquisition of the DCS stake is subject to regulatory approval. The terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

DCS works with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to integrate its charging solutions into vehicle operating systems, offering plug and charge for vehicle and charger to communicate seamlessly without the need for additional customer authentication. DCS already operates ‘Mercedes me Charge’, ‘BMW Charging’ and ‘MINI Charging’ services. It currently offers access to 228,000 charging points in 32 countries, giving OEMs, fleet customers and EV drivers extensive access to charging infrastructure across Europe.