BP’s electric vehicle (EV) charging subsidiary, bp pulse, has unveiled a game-changing agreement with Tesla, where they will acquire ultra-fast charging hardware units from the EV pioneer for $100 million. This strategic investment will support the expansion of the bp pulse public charging network across the United States while bolstering services for EV fleet customers through charger deployment at private depots.
What makes this deal truly groundbreaking is that it marks the first instance of Tesla’s charging hardware being procured for an independent EV charging network. The rollout is scheduled to commence in 2024, encompassing various high-traffic locations, including TravelCenters of America, Thorntons, ampm, and Amoco, all part of the bp family of brands. Additionally, the chargers will be deployed at bp pulse’s Gigahub™ charging sites in major metropolitan areas and at third-party locations, such as Hertz rental locations.
The initial installation sites have already been identified in key cities, including Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C. The collaboration extends to select bp pulse fleet customer depots, where Tesla chargers will be deployed. By combining Tesla’s ultra-fast chargers, boasting a 250 kW output, with bp pulse’s advanced charge management software, Omega, the partnership creates a holistic solution for EV fleets, offering comprehensive control over the charging process.
Richard Bartlett, global CEO of bp pulse, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “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.”
Tesla’s chargers, featuring the versatile ‘Magic Dock,’ will be branded, installed, and operated by bp pulse. These chargers will be compatible with both the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, enabling EVs from various manufacturers to utilize them, regardless of their port types.
To enhance user convenience, Tesla’s chargers will support the Plug and Charge protocol, simplifying and automating payment processes. Furthermore, third-party operated ultra-fast chargers that meet Tesla’s stringent reliability and functionality criteria will be featured in Tesla’s vehicle user interface and apps, assuring a seamless user experience on bp pulse’s network.
In addition to the collaboration with Tesla, bp pulse aims to continue expanding its network with fast and reliable charging points at high-demand locations, including airports, major metropolitan areas, and properties along Alternative Fueling Corridors. BP has also secured grant funds from programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) to establish charging infrastructure at sites in California, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Kentucky.
This strategic move aligns with BP’s commitment to invest $1 billion in America’s EV charging infrastructure by 2030, with an initial investment of $500 million within the next two to three years. BP’s investment in multiple growth engines, including bioenergy, convenience, hydrogen, renewables, and power, has increased to around 30 percent of their total investments in 2022, a significant rise from approximately 3 percent in 2019. This underscores the company’s dedication to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions in the United States.