BP becomes first to buy Tesla ultra-fast chargers for EV network

BP has signed a deal to acquire $100m (€94m / £82m) worth of Tesla Superchargers to accelerate expansion of its US charging network.

The 250kW chargers will start rollout in 2024 at key BP Pulse sites in the US and with fleet customers

The 250kW chargers will start rollout in 2024 at key sites in Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington DC for BP brands, including TravelCenters of America, Thorntons, AMPM and Amoco, as well as at BP Pulse’s Gigahub charging sites in major metropolitan areas and at third-party locations.

The Tesla chargers will also be deployed at select fleet customer depots, paired up with BP Pulse’s Omega intelligent charge management software, providing a comprehensive solution for business clients.

The deal marks the first time that Tesla’s ultra-fast chargers will be purchased for deployment on an independent EV charging network.

The agreement forms part of BP’s plans to invest up to $1bn in EV charging across the US by 2030. Its BP Pulse EV charging business has installed more than 27,000 charge points to date and aims to roll out more than 100,000 globally by 2030.

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.”

The Tesla ultra-fast chargers 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, and will also support use of the Plug and Charge protocol, which simplifies and automates payments.

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.”

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.