Energy company Essent is expanding beyond home energy services and into public electric vehicle charging through the acquisition of BP’s former fast-charging network in the Netherlands. The network will operate in partnership with sister company E.ON Drive Infrastructure. Together, it includes 79 fast-charging locations and 370 charging points. Following the takeover, the charging stations will be rebranded in Essent’s signature pink colours. The company’s existing 46 E.ON fast-charging points will also continue under the Essent name.
According to Essent, the deal immediately positions the company among the largest providers of public fast charging in the Netherlands. Commercial Director Boudewijn den Herder said the expansion allows customers to charge their electric vehicles both at home and on the road through Essent’s services. The fast chargers are capable of charging modern electric vehicles to 80 percent battery capacity in around 20 minutes.
The acquisition follows BP’s sale of its Dutch fuel and charging operations to Catom last year. Catom now operates the former BP service stations under the OK brand. The financial details of the agreement between E.ON and BP have not been disclosed.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
