Marks & Spencer (M&S) and bp pulse have signed an exclusive agreement to bring high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charge points to the M&S store estate across the UK.

The agreement will see M&S and bp pulse, bp’s electric vehicle charging business, work together to install an initial 900 electric vehicle charge points in around 70 of M&S’ national stores over the next two years.

The rollout will significantly expand bp pulse’s network, growing the UK’s public charging network and adding up to 40,000 kWhs of charging capacity to the UK’s EV charging infrastructure. The deal requires bp pulse to supply, install, operate, and maintain the charging points at feasible sites.

In order to provide the appropriate speed for each need, a combination of ultra-rapid (150kW) and rapid (50kW) charge points will be installed during the roll-out. 15 rapid (50kW) charge points are already live and open to the public at M&S Maidstone Eclipse and Southgate following successful pilot installations.

bp and M&S have a longstanding relationship, first teaming up in 2005 to introduce M&S Food stores at bp retail sites. Over 250 bp pulse charge points are already available at over 60 bp-operated forecourts that also offer M&S Food. The new agreement represents a major extension of the relationship.

“We aim to provide fast, reliable, and convenient EV charging to our customers that fits in with ‎their busy lifestyles and so, we are excited to extend our relationship with M&S to put high-speed charge points at their stores, growing our network even further,” said Akira Kirton, CEO at bp pulse UK.

“This is exactly the kind of collaboration the UK needs to help accelerate the transition to lower carbon transport and we’re delighted to be working with M&S to make that happen.”

M&S’ Plan A goal is to become fully net zero by 2040. As set out in 2021, M&S’ ambitious target cannot be achieved alone. Customers, colleagues and suppliers’ support is needed to help deliver emission cuts across the value chain, from the raw materials used to how customers use M&S products.

The rollout will comprise a combination of rapid and ultra-rapid charge points.

The agreement with bp pulse will bring EV charge points to many of M&S stores across the country and the modernization of its store estate services will give customers the convenience of shopping and charging an electric vehicle, helping customers to make positive choices and reduce their impact on the environment.

“At M&S we’re reshaping the business for sustainable future growth in every sense,” said Sacha Berendji, director of operations, M&S.

“From our award-winning Shwopping initiative to our Fill Your Own refill concept, EV charging is the latest feature to ensure we have a store estate fit for the future, to help our customers live lower carbon lives. We know that services like EV charging are in demand from our customers, so we’re delighted to be offering this service and give more reasons for customers to shop with us.”

The rollout to all in-scope stores is expected to be complete within the next 24 months, at which point a feasibility study will be carried out to explore rollout at further sites.