Melbourne Airport has added a new charging option for electric fleets, with bp opening a 24-bay EV charging hub featuring 150kW and 300kW chargers, truck-friendly drive-through bays and round-the-clock access.
The bp pulse facility expands charging infrastructure in a precinct that sees more than 60,000 vehicle movements each day. For fleet operators servicing the airport, it provides another location to incorporate charging into airport transfers, business travel and transport operations.
The hub operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and includes restrooms and free Wi-Fi. According to bp, it is powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity generated by Melbourne Airport’s two onsite solar farms.
Charging access for airport fleets
For fleets considering electric vehicles, charging availability around major transport hubs is an important part of assessing operational suitability.
The combination of 24-hour access and drive-through bays could make the new facility useful for operators whose vehicles work outside standard business hours or need more space than a conventional passenger-car charging bay provides.
The availability of both 150kW and 300kW chargers also provides options for vehicles with different charging capabilities. Actual charging speeds will depend on the vehicle and battery conditions, so fleet managers will still need to assess how charging sessions fit within their operating schedules.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Ground Transport, Property & Retail, Jai McDermott, said the facility had been designed to support the airport’s continuous operations.
“To complement Melbourne Airport’s around the clock operations the hub will be open 24 hours a day seven days a week to keep EV drivers transiting through the airport moving.”
McDermott described the development as Australia’s largest airport EV charging hub and highlighted its connection to the airport’s renewable energy infrastructure.
“We’re proud to partner with BP pulse to not only deliver Australia’s largest airport EV charging hub but to do so with renewable power generated on-site here at Melbourne Airport.”
Expanding bp’s airport offer
The charging hub adds to bp’s existing service station, truck stop and wild bean cafe in the airport precinct, broadening the company’s services for drivers using different vehicle technologies.
Paul Augé, president of bp Australia, said EV charging was an important part of the company’s mobility and convenience strategy.
“We’re building an integrated mobility network so we can support all our customers in the future, whether they are professional drivers, to fleet operators, business travellers or the local community.”
For fleet managers, the new hub adds a public charging option at a location already central to many transport tasks. Its practical value will depend on how well access, charger availability and charging time align with individual vehicle duties.
For businesses running regular airport routes, it is another piece of infrastructure to consider when assessing where electric vehicles can fit into the fleet.
