More EV charging stations are coming to BP’s network of convenience stores.
In a new deal, BP’s charging business, BP pulse, will acquire ultra-fast charging hardware units from Tesla for $100 million. The investment allows the BP pulse public network to expand across the United States and enable support for EV fleet customers by deploying chargers at their private depots.
The introduction of Tesla’s chargers to the BP pulse network is the first time the hardware will be purchased for an independent EV charging network.
The move comes as part of BP’s plans to invest $1 billion in America's EV charging infrastructure by 2030, with an aim of investing $500 million in the next two to three years.
"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 U.S. 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 Tesla ultra-fast chargers have an output of 250 kW and will be branded, installed and operated by BP pulse. Additionally, 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, allowing customers with EVs from other major vehicle manufacturers to use the chargers.
The rollout is planned to begin in 2024 and the first installation sites have been identified in Houston, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; and Washington D.C.
Locations will include key sites across BP brands, including TravelCenters of America, Thorntons, ampm and Amoco, as well as at BP pulse’s large-scale Gigahub charging sites in major metropolitan areas and at third-party locations, such as Hertz locations, as part of previously announced collaborations.