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BP is installing a new network of fast 150kW charging points at filling stations across the UK stating next year.

This will allow premium EV makers to draw level or start beating Teslas for mid-journey charge times, with much less expensive family EVs from the likes of Hyundai, Kia and Nissan following.

BP Chargemaster has developed technology that will offer the fastest top-ups to date for electric cars, and it will be installed on fuel forecourts.

The new ultra-rapid chargers are even faster than the Tesla Supercharger system, enabling cars like the new Audi e-tron to charge up from 20 to 200 miles of range in under 30 minutes.

Vicky Parrott, Associate Editor of DrivingElectric.com, said this heralds a major step toward EVs entering the mainstream, where driver convenience is vital for encouraging widespread adoption.

She said: “Even now that EV choice, price and range are coming within reach of ordinary motorists, everyone knows that one of the factors still making drivers hesitate is mid-journey charging time.

“Cutting the time it takes to get back on the road to within the space of a short comfort and coffee break will remove another barrier to adoption by significantly cutting longer journey times.”

Sales of pure electric vehicles in the UK during October this year were 86.9% higher than in the same month a year ago. Used electric cars saw a rise in sales of 8.3% during the third quarter of 2018, as fears about battery reliability begin to reduce among curious consumers.

Low tax and fuel costs, and free entry to emissions-restricted city centres, electric cars are becoming an increasingly cost-effective choice for drivers.

Tom Callow of BP Chargemaster said: “BP believes that fast and convenient charging is critical to support the successful adoption of electric vehicles.

“In 2019, BP Chargemaster will begin the roll-out of 150kW ultra-rapid chargers on BP forecourts, which will provide the fastest rate of charging for electric cars currently on the market.

“The rollout of 150kW ultra-rapid chargers will complement BP Chargemaster’s existing network of 50kW rapid chargers and destination chargers, which will continue to be expanded.”

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