BMW and Daimler joined by BP in charging developer DCS

BP has agreed to join BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG in developing charging networks. Under the agreement, BP will become a 33.3% partner alongside BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG in Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS).

DCS is one of Europe’s leading developers of digital charging solutions for automotive manufacturers and vehicle fleet operators. BP’s acquisition of the stake in DCS will be subject to regulatory approval. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Electrification strategies

DCS’s services try to be significant for the electrification strategies of the automotive industry. The company works with OEMs to integrate its charging solutions into vehicle operating systems.

The BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG operate mobility services under the Your Now Joint Ventures umbrella. Digital Charging Solutions GmbH stands behind the Charge Now brand and operates charging services such as ‘Mercedes me Charge’, ‘BMW Charging’ and ‘Mini Charging’.

DCS already offers access to 228 000 charging points in 32 countries giving OEMs, fleet customers, and EV drivers extensive access to charging infrastructure across Europe.

Growing network

As part of the agreement, BP’s European charging networks will be integrated into the DCS’s network and fuel and charge for fleet customers as a first step.

The oil company aims to grow its network of public EV charging points by 2030 to over 70 000 worldwide. They currently have around 8 700 charging points in Europe, and its UK network BP Pulse is already the most used EV charging network in the UK.

The company is also rapidly developing its network of ultra-fast chargers. It plans to have around 250 operating at BP retail sites in the UK and 500  across its retail sites in Germany by year-end.

DCS customers will have access to these additional charging points, and BP will thus gain access to a wider customer base. Richard Bartlett, BP SVP future mobility & solutions, commented: “We aim to make charging as convenient as refueling at the pump – fast, reliable, and a great customer experience.”

“With BP, we are gaining a strategic partner who will help us strengthen the customer offering of DCS further. BP’s large network of retail sites offers ideal conditions for the expansion of charging infrastructure – precisely where customers of electric vehicles need and expect them,” says Stephan Unger, Chief Financial Officer of Daimler Mobility AG.

“We also see great potential in combining refueling and charging solutions for the growing customer group of plug-in hybrids, he adds.

“A sufficient charging infrastructure is a key to wider acceptance of electrification, adds Rainer Feurer, Senior Vice President of Investments at the BMW Group.

“With BP, the BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG have on board a partner who offers a strong brand and customer focus with an extensive European ultra-fast charging network, as well as retail sites.”

Jörg Reimann, CEO of Digital Charging Solutions GmbH, concludes: “Our cooperation with BP opens up completely new possibilities. We know that combined charging and fueling offers are pivotal for our fleet customers.”

“This collaboration will help to get more EVs on the roads and, ultimately, help us move towards more sustainable mobility.”