bp pulse signs EV charging rollout deal with Columbia Threadneedle retail parks
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
bp pulse has signed an agreement with Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate Investments to roll out electric vehicle charging infrastructure across 14 retail parks in the UK, marking another expansion of bp pulse’s public charging network.
The first site under the partnership has gone live at Lyons Farm retail park in Worthing. The installation forms part of a wider programme that will see chargers deployed at high-footfall retail destinations owned by Columbia Threadneedle over the coming months.
Additional locations confirmed for the next phase include Castle Marina Retail Park in Nottingham, Fountains Retail Park in Tunbridge Wells, and Jubilee Retail Park in Weymouth. Further sites across the Columbia Threadneedle portfolio are currently under review for later phases of the rollout.
The charging hubs will feature a mix of rapid and ultra-fast infrastructure. Ultra-fast sites will include up to 10 charging bays combining ultra-fast and rapid units, while smaller locations will typically provide two rapid charging bays. The configuration is intended to support shorter dwell times associated with retail park visits.
Partnership will see rapid and ultra-fast chargers installed across 14 UK retail park locations, starting in Worthing.
For bp pulse, the agreement supports its strategy of expanding regional coverage by targeting destinations where drivers can charge vehicles while carrying out routine activities.
Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate Investments is positioning EV charging as part of a broader asset management approach focused on future-proofing retail destinations. Installing charging infrastructure is increasingly viewed by landlords as a way to maintain relevance and competitiveness as electric vehicle adoption accelerates.
Valerio Ferro, general manager, bp pulse, said: “We’re making it easier than ever for drivers to charge as part of their daily routines. Retail parks are places people already visit to shop, eat and meet, so adding reliable, high-speed charging enhances that experience. Our collaboration with Columbia Threadneedle Investments brings convenient, future-ready charging to familiar locations, helping make the switch to electric vehicles simpler for everyone.”
Kannika Mall, Asset Manager for Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, UK, added:“Retail parks are increasingly considered the favoured location for consumers seeking convenient and practical shopping experiences, while accessing the big multiple brands they want and expect. Part of retail parks’ appeal is that EV drivers only pay for their charging as parking is free and accessible. Improving the provision for EV drivers is a key strand of our asset management strategy for the portfolio. It also serves as a further and important step in our pathway to net zero across the UK business by 2050.”
