bp pulse announced it is acquiring $100 million worth of ultra-fast charging hardware units from Tesla. This investment will allow bp pulse to expand its public charging network across the United States and deploy chargers at private depots to support its EV fleet customers.
"Strengthening the bp pulse network with Tesla's industry-leading hardware is a major step forward in our ambitions for high speed, open access charging infrastructure in the US and advances our ambition to delivering an exceptional customer experience," said Richard Bartlett, Global CEO of bp pulse. "Combined with our vast network of convenience and mobility sites on and off the highway, this collaboration with Tesla will bring fast and reliable charging to EV drivers when and where they need it."
The chargers will be deployed beginning in 2024 at key locations, including TravelCenters of America, Amoco, Hertz, and bp pulse’s large-scale Gigahub charging sites. The first installation sites have already been selected in Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Once installed, the Tesla fast chargers will be paired with bp pulse’s charge management software, Omega. This will allow bp pulse to oversee the entire charging process for EV fleets and provide comprehensive solutions for fleet customers.
The chargers, which will be branded, installed, and operated by bp pulse, will also be fitted with Tesla’s Magic Dock, providing compatibility with both North American Charging Standard and Combined Charging System connectors. To further improve user experience, the chargers will also support the Plug and Charge protocol, which simplifies and automates payments.
It is Tesla’s current policy that all third-party operated ultra-fast chargers meeting Tesla’s reliability and functionality requirements must be featured in Tesla’s vehicle UI and apps, and bp pulse expects to uphold these requirements on its network.
"At Tesla, we're driven to enable great charging experiences for all EV owners. Selling our fast-charging hardware is a new step for us, and one we're looking to expand in support of our mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy. We appreciate bp's partnership in this area – it's the right step toward a more sustainable future,” said Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla’s Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure.
In February 2023, bp announced plans to invest $1 billion in America’s EV charging infrastructure by 2030 with the aim of investing $500 million within the next three years. This deal represents progress on bp pulse’s journey to continue deploying fast and reliable charging points at high-demand locations, such as airports, major metropolitan areas, and bp-owned properties along Alternative Fueling Corridors.
"This is another example of how bp pulse is collaborating with leaders across the industry to advance EV infrastructure growth across the U.S. and to deliver the fast and reliable charging experience we know our customers demand," said Sujay Sharma, CEO of bp pulse Americas. "We remain open and committed to expanding alliances with EV industry leaders even further, and we look forward to welcoming the growing number of EV drivers across the country to our network."
