Shell, TotalEnergies, and BP Expand EV Charging and Utility Operations
TotalEnergies targets 100-120 TWh in annual power generation by 2030, while bp pulse aims for 100,000 charge points.
Three major oil companies—Shell, TotalEnergies, and BP—operate significant electric vehicle charging networks and are expanding their roles as electric utilities, according to a report by Charged EVs citing Medium.
What Happened
Shell Recharge claims to operate approximately 85,000 public charging points in several countries, including the United States. TotalEnergies boasts a network of over 60,000 charging points in Europe, while bp pulse operates thousands of public chargers in the US and Europe. The report notes that bp pulse’s website actively encourages consumers to purchase EVs. Historically, these firms engaged in charging network acquisitions; for instance, Shell acquired Dutch operator NewMotion in 2017 and US firm Greenlots in 2019. Despite concerns that these acquisitions might have been intended to stifle competition or inflate prices, the report states that oil-owned stations function normally with pricing comparable to other providers, and new installations continue at a rapid pace across various players.
Why It Matters
The expansion of these energy giants into EV charging and utility services suggests a strategic shift beyond traditional fossil fuel production. A 2025 Medium article characterizes this move not as a PR stunt but as a disciplined, capital-driven reinvention focused on profitability. Shell is building an integrated power business covering generation, trading, power purchase agreements, and retail supply through Shell Energy. TotalEnergies aims to control 100–120 TWh of annual power generation by 2030. bp pulse operated over 40,000 charge points in 2025 and targets 100,000 by 2030, with bp reportedly selling about 1 TWh of power annually through its EV charging business. This potential for volume growth provides a financial incentive for these multinationals to sustain their EV charging ventures. Meanwhile, US-based giants ExxonMobil and Chevron have not been reported to have entered the EV charging market in the same capacity.
The Bottom Line
Shell, TotalEnergies, and BP are increasingly operating as hybrid utilities with deep commodity expertise and access to capital, signaling a gradual shift in their business models alongside continued oil production efforts.
