Henderson Group and bp pulse have agreed to install up to 200 electric vehicles (EV) charging points at 100 bp branded Henderson Retail sites across Northern Ireland.

The EV charging points will be installed within the next two years. With this roll out of EV charging points, bp pulse aims to create one of the region's latest networks of ultra-fast and rapid EV charging, aiming to add up to 15,000 kW of charging capacity.

Currently bp pulse charge points are already live and charging EV's at 17 bp SPAR sites across Northern Ireland as well as at another four Henderson Retail SPAR sites. The full roll-out is planned to be finished by end 2025.

bp pulse is installing charging stations featuring a ground-breaking integrated battery storage system. These units are connected to a standard voltage power grid, addressing a key obstacle to the widespread implementation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This removes the necessity for constructing a dedicated high-voltage substation, resulting in a substantial reduction in both installation costs and time. Each charging station is equipped with two charging points—one ultra-fast (150 kW) and one rapid (100 kW)—providing a combined power output of up to 250 kW.

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Ron Whitten, Chief Financial Officer at Henderson Group said: "The demand for ultra-fast charging points in Northern Ireland is high. Current figures from the Department for Transport show there are currently around 18,762 ultra-low emission vehicles registered in the region[1], an increase of 55% in the past two years alone. This steep trajectory of the volume of electric vehicles on the road is only going to continue, yet Northern Ireland has just 60 ultra-fast charge points in operation.

"Henderson Retail operates over 100 busy stores, 81 of which have fuel forecourts in Northern Ireland, used frequently by those on the go throughout the day.

"We are making considered, positive steps in line with consumer behaviour and working with bp pulse to install ultra-fast chargers at our sites which will give EV drivers the opportunity to charge at a location that is convenient to their journey.

"This is a significant step in Henderson Group’s commitment towards more sustainable business practices as part of our Tomorrow Matters strategy, focusing on People, Place, Planet and aims to develop the business in a way that is beneficial to both staff and customers while having a positive impact on society.

"We have a strong belief in reinvesting in our business and continually giving back to the Northern Ireland community. This rollout builds on the long-standing cooperation between bp and our Henderson Retail SPAR and EUROSPAR sites as the largest operator of bp branded forecourts in Northern Ireland."

Akira Kirton CEO, bp pulse UK added: "Fast, reliable charging in convenient locations is essential to give drivers the confidence to switch to electric vehicles. Working with Henderson Group, a retail network that dominates the market in Northern Ireland, we have the opportunity and aspiration to create one of the largest networks of ultra-fast and rapid charging points – meeting the rise in demand for now and in the future."

Mark McCall co-founder of the Electric Vehicle Association NI said: "The Electric Vehicle Association NI welcomes today’s announcement from Henderson Group and bp pulse. This significant investment aims to bring over 200 direct current ultra-fast and rapid chargers to retail destinations across NI, making it easier and more convenient to drive an electric vehicle in Northern Ireland."