bp pulse to buy $100mn worth Tesla ultra-fast EV chargers for its US network

bp's EV charging arm bp pulse has announced the purchase of 250 kW ultra-fast charging hardware units from Tesla for $100 million, to facilitate the expansion of its public EV charging network across the US, along with support for fleet customers by deploying chargers at their private depots. 

This is perhaps for the first time an independent EV charging network is deploying Tesla's chargers for commercial use. The roll-out is planned to begin in 2024 and locations will include key sites across the bp family of brands, including TravelCenters of America, Thorntons, ampm and Amoco. 

The chargers will also be installed in bp pulse's 'Gigahub' charging sites and at third-party locations including that of Hertz. The first installation sites have been identified in Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

RELATED: bp pulse investing £1 billion in EV charging infrastructure in UK

The network claims that by pairing its smart charge management software 'Omega' with Tesla's fast and reliable chargers, bp pulse gains the distinctive capability to oversee the entire charging process for EV fleets, thereby providing a comprehensive solution for its 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", he added. 

The chargers will be fitted with Tesla's 'Magic Dock', which is compatible with both North American Charging Standard (NACS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors. The hardware will also support use of the Plug and Charge protocol, which simplifies and automates payments. 

RELATED: bp commissions 300 kW ultra-fast charging station for e-trucks in Germany

As is Tesla's current policy, third-party operated ultra-fast chargers meeting Tesla's reliability and functionality requirements are featured in Tesla's vehicle UI and apps. 

"This is another example of how bp pulse is collaborating with leaders across the industry, in areas including real estate, charging technology and automakers, to advance EV infrastructure growth across the US, and to deliver the fast and reliable charging experience we know our customers demand", said Sujay Sharma, CEO bp pulse Americas.

The latest investment is part of bp's $1 billion investment plan in America's EV charging infrastructure by 2030, with an aim of investing $500 million in the next two to three years. bp pulse network already has installed more than 27,000 charge points, and targets to roll out more than 100,000 globally by 2030.