BP invests £50m in electric vehicle battery testing centre

BP has unveiled plans to invest up to £50m in a new electric vehicle (EV) battery testing centre and analytical laboratory in the UK.

Planned to open by the end of 2024, the new facilities will be located at the company's existing global headquarters for its Castrol business in Pangbourne, Berkshire, and will support the technology, engineering and science roles.

The site already undertakes research and development of fuels, lubricants and EV fluids and aims to become a leading hub for fluid technologies and engineering for battery electric cars and trucks.

The new facilities will help advance the development of leading fluid technologies and engineering for hybrid and fully battery electric vehicles, aiming to bring the industry closer to achieving the key tipping points for mainstream electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

Castrol ON advanced e-fluids manage temperatures within the battery which enables ultra-fast charging and improves efficiency, which help EVs to go further on a single charge and extend the life of the drivetrain system.

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BP has previously announced its intention to invest up to £18bn in the UK’s energy system by the end of 2030.

Richard Bartlett, senior vice president, BP Pulse said: “We aim to provide the fastest and most reliable charging experience to our EV customers and continue to invest in our rapid and ultra-fast network globally for passenger cars and trucks. This investment will help us co-develop battery and charger technology and digital solutions with our OEM partners to help EVs go further, charge faster and last longer.”

Added Louise Kingham, BP's UK head of country: "We’re backing Britain. We’re fully committed to the UK’s energy transition. This additional investment will help accelerate the transition to EVs by developing solutions to help decarbonise the transport sector. This is another example of our ambitious plans to do more, and go faster.”

Michelle Jou, chief executive officer for Castrol said: “We are committed to supporting the electrification of transport and the take-up of electric vehicles. The growth of EV fluids is a huge opportunity, and we aim to be the market leader in this sector.

“This significant new investment will now allow us to build additional strategic technologies and capabilities to further advance EV fluids for the future. The facilities will also be an amazing showcase to demonstrate our integrated technology expertise to customers as we help drive the transition to EVs.”