bp pulse expands with Tesla units
BP’s charging business, bp pulse, has announced it will acquire ultra-fast charging hardware units from Tesla for $100 million.
The deal will see the bp pulse public network expand across the US, while also enabling 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, it said.
The roll-out is planned to begin in 2024 and locations will include key sites across the bp family of brands, as well as at bp pulse’s large-scale Gigahub charging sites in major metropolitan areas and other sites, such as Hertz locations, as part of previously announced collaborations. The first installation sites will be in Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington D.C.
Tesla’s chargers will also be deployed at select bp pulse fleet customer depots. By pairing bp pulse’s intelligent charge management software, Omega, with Tesla’s chargers, bp pulse aims to oversee the entire charging process for EV fleets, providing a comprehensive solution.
The Tesla ultra-fast chargers, which have an output of 250kW, will be branded, installed and operated by bp pulse. 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. This enables EVs from other major vehicle manufacturers to use the Tesla chargers on the bp pulse’s network, regardless of whether they use CCS or NACS ports.
Richard Bartlett, global CEO of bp pulse, said: “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.
“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.”
Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla’s Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure said: “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 towards a more sustainable future. ”
“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. ”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.”
Image from bp pulse
