public charging
How bp pulse is growing our EV charging network in the US
This past year has been a transformative one for bp pulse as we work to build a national electric vehicle (EV) charging network. After sharing our plans to invest $1billion in America’s EV charging infrastructure by 2030, we’ve shared steady progress on our plans to deliver fast, reliable and convenient charging to EV drivers.
Ever wondered how we determine our EV charging locations, and how we plan to continue delivering exceptional charging experiences far into the future? Read on to learn more about our approach to growing our network in the US.
Prioritizing key metros
Location plays a crucial role in the success of EV charging infrastructure. There are a few things we consider in our site selection process, starting with key regions. We are prioritizing installing ultra-fast EV charging in major metros on the West Coast, East Coast, throughout the Sun Belt, and Great Lakes region. Within these regions, there are roughly 40 cities and 12,000 miles of highways that we’re focused on for the next five years. These locations are where we see EV adoption accelerating and therefore there is a need for ample charging.
In addition to location, our rollout plans include specific formats. In many major metros, we are building large scale hubs with 12 or more ultra-fast charging bays, what we call a Gigahub. In April 2024, the first bp pulse Gigahub in the US opened in Houston, Texas and we have several more slated to open over the next year.
Reducing range anxiety with highway corridors
Recognizing that range anxiety remains a significant barrier for potential EV users, especially while on longer drives out of town, we’re also focusing on deploying charging hubs along key highway corridors.
To successfully implement this plan, bp pulse is working with TravelCenters of America (TA), part of the bp portfolio. The strategic location of TA sites along major Interstate highways allows us to install EV charging along key corridors while giving our EV drivers access to TA’s roster of amenities and facilities. These sites welcome hundreds of thousands of drivers a year and have a national footprint, helping solve range anxiety for longer trips. Beyond light-duty vehicles, bp pulse and TA recently broke ground on one of the nation’s first publicly accessible medium-and heavy-duty (MHD) truck charging stations at TA’s Ontario, California travel center.
In addition to TA sites, we are also leveraging bp’s footprint of around 8,000 gas station and retail sites to bring smaller EV charging hubs to where drivers are already fueling up. This includes sites you may already be familiar with such as bp, Amoco, ampm, Arco, and Thorntons branded sites.
Collaborating to maximize charge time
Once we zero in on the right regions and size of the charging hubs, we then look for sites that are near or share a parking lot with amenities that EV drivers already frequent or can enjoy while they charge, such as retail and restaurants. To accomplish this, we are actively collaborating with other brands to integrate charging infrastructure seamlessly into existing experiences. For example:
- In September, we announced that we are teaming up with LAZ Parking to bring EV charging to their network of 4,000 parking lots across the US. Each site will be open to the public 24/7 and provide drivers with up to one hour of free parking while charging.
- In July, we signed a deal to bring 900+ ultra-fast charging bays to select Simon properties – bringing a range of amenities to EV drivers including shoppi5ng, grocery markets, restaurants, and more while they charge.
If you think your business could be a good fit for bp pulse EV charger hosting, reach out to us.
As the EV charging industry continues to evolve, we intend to continue leveraging our global network and expertise to build EV charging where drivers need it most, while forming the collaborations needed to scale and match current and future demand.
As we continue to expand our ultra-fast charging network, visit our map or download the bp pulse app to stay up to date with our new sites and find your nearest location.
Go further
Learn more about bp pulse public charging
We’re working to build out fast, reliable chargers in accessible locations across the country. Whether you’re commuting to work or driving coast to coast, we’re developing a national network that’s designed for you.
Date
5 November 2024
author
Mathew Cranley
Network & Asset Director
bp pulse Americas
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