UK’s bp pulse plans to build large heavy-duty truck charging station in Ashford, Kent
Ashford International Truckstop is close to Dover, the UK’s busiest ferry port, and LeShuttle Freight via the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone. Approximately 3.5 million Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) travel across the channel via the port of Dover and Eurotunnel each year.
Charging infrastructure provider bp pulse acquired the freehold of a strategically placed truck stop in Ashford, Kent, one of the largest in Europe. Strategically located off Junction 10 and 10a of the M20, Ashford International Truckstop is close to Dover, the UK’s busiest ferry port, and LeShuttle Freight via the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone. Approximately 3.5 million Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) travel across the channel via the port of Dover and Eurotunnel each year.
The site has the capacity to host approximately 20 mega-watt chargers (MCS), 10 x 400kW and 125 x 100 kW chargers. This capacity is subject to power connection availability and the pace of electrification in the UK and European road freight sector. The first mega-watt chargers are expected to be in place from 2026.
bp pulse has projects for the station in Ashford, Kent
Ashford International Truckstop is currently owned by the GSE Group. The 21-acre site already offers 660 secure parking bays and convenience services for HGV drivers. As part of the agreement, bp pulse will lease back the site to Ashford International Truckstop Ltd, part of GSE Group, to operate the existing site facilities and secure parking on a long-term lease.
“For fleet operators to consider going electric, they must be confident that the infrastructure is in place to support them”, commented Stefan von Dobschuetz, general manager bp pulse Europe. “That is why we are thrilled to have secured the land to a crucial site near Dover as we strive to meet the evolving needs of HGV operators transitioning to EVs. The location of this truck stop aligns with our mission to provide accessible and strategically positioned charging infrastructure for our customers along the major truck corridors in Europe”.
