E.ON Drive Infrastructure is taking over BP's former fast-charging network and will partner with Essent to operate it. This expands Essent's energy services to include fast charging. The deal covers a total of 79 fast-charging sites with 370 charge points, instantly making Essent one of the largest providers of public fast charging in the Netherlands.
"EV drivers can now count on us for a full battery not only at home, but on the road too," says Boudewijn den Herder, Chief Commercial Officer of Essent. "Essent is a full-service energy partner. We have long provided our customers with energy contracts, solar panels, energy advice, home chargers and home batteries. Now we are expanding our energy offering further, with the same service and quality people are used to from us."
To celebrate the acquisition, EV drivers with an Essent charging card will receive a discount of 10 cents per kilowatt hour for a limited period at Essent's fast chargers and at all E.ON Drive Infrastructure charge points across Europe.
A trusted brand at the charging hub
The acquisition is a collaboration between Essent and E.ON Drive Infrastructure (both subsidiaries of E.ON). The fast-charging sites will carry the Essent brand, with "Operated by E.ON Drive" displayed on every charger. E.ON Drive Infrastructure's 46 existing fast-charging points will also continue under the Essent name.
E.ON Drive Infrastructure owns the entire charging infrastructure: the company invests in, installs, manages and maintains the chargers. Essent is the customer-facing brand in the Netherlands and is responsible for marketing and communications. For EV drivers, this means the familiar Essent name at the charging hub, backed by the operational reliability of a European charging specialist behind the scenes.
"The Netherlands is one of the most dynamic EV markets in Europe, and that calls for strong partners," says Arjan van der Eijk, COO of E.ON Drive Infrastructure. "In Essent, we have found that partner. Essent enjoys exceptionally high trust among Dutch consumers, and that trust is exactly what EV drivers need when they depend on public charging infrastructure on the road. We provide the operational reliability to match that trust."
Ultra-fast charging
The network uses modern Alpitronic fast chargers with charging speeds of up to 300 kW. This means most modern electric cars can be charged to 80 percent in just twenty minutes, depending on the model.
Some sites are equipped with chargers that have a built-in battery buffer. The buffer charges throughout the day via a standard low-voltage connection, enabling fast charging even at sites with limited grid capacity.
Most sites are located at OK fuel stations along busy traffic routes. This makes them easily accessible, and drivers can use the station's restroom facilities and shop while fast charging. The acquisition also includes 45 secured development sites for new fast-charging hubs, which will be built in phases over the coming years.
Charging is possible with all common charging cards and apps, or simply with a contactless credit or debit card. All charge points supply 100% certified renewable electricity.
Acquisition details
Following BP's exit from the Netherlands, all of its Dutch operations passed to Catom. Catom now operates the former BP fuel stations under the OK brand. E.ON Drive Infrastructure is now acquiring the EV charging stations at the OK fuel stations. The parties involved are not disclosing the financial details of the acquisition.
