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Chargemaster Limited (branded as bp pulse, formerly BP Chargemaster, chargemaster, POLAR and Polar Plus) is a supplier of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, based in Milton Keynes, England. It provides charging units for home, business and public use, and operates its own electric vehicle fast charging network.

Key Information

Chargemaster was the first company to manufacture electric vehicle rapid chargers in the UK.[1][2] As of 2017, the company had supplied more than 30,000 charging points for electric vehicle drivers' homes[3] and more than 10,000 public and commercially operated charging points.[4]

The company was founded in 2008 by entrepreneur David Martell. In June 2018, BP announced that it had entered into an agreement to buy Chargemaster for £130m,[5] with the company to be rebranded BP Chargemaster.[6] Further rebranding to 'bp pulse' took place in December 2020.

History

[edit]

Chargemaster was founded in Luton in 2008 by David Martell, the founder and former CEO of Trafficmaster.[7] Shareholders included the venture capital arm of BMW, BMW i Ventures,[8] and technology company Qualcomm.[9]

The company launched its POLAR network of public charging points in 2011.[10] By 2017, the network had over 5,000 public charging points,[11] just under 40% of the total of more than 13,000 charging points in the UK.[12]

In 2012, Chargemaster announced its involvement in a trial of wireless charging for electric vehicles in London, in partnership with Qualcomm.[13] Growth capital, initially £3 million, was invested by Beringea in 2014.[14][15]

Chargemaster launched its POLAR Plus subscription scheme in 2015, allowing members to pay a monthly fee for access to its public charging network, with points earned each time a member uses a public charging point, which could be traded for a week-long experience in one of a fleet of electric vehicles operated by Chargemaster, including a BMW i8 and a Tesla Model S.[16]

Chargemaster acquired Hereford-based GB Electrical, a national electrical contractor specialising in the installation of electric vehicle charging points, in 2015.[17] The business had been working with Chargemaster since 2013 and is an authorised installer of charging points installed under both the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme and the Workplace Charging Scheme, administered by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.[18][19] Following the acquisition, Chargemaster announced a £15 million investment in its charging network to create 2,000 new charging points, which would include new ways to access the points, including contactless payments, alongside existing access methods of RFID cards and smartphone apps.[20]

In 2017, the company acquired the electric vehicle charging point supplier Elektromotive, including its charging network management subsidiary, Charge Your Car,[21] to form the UK's largest electric vehicle infrastructure provider.[22][23]

After being acquired by BP in 2018, the company's legal name changed from Chargemaster plc to Chargemaster Limited.[24] Martell retained a board position until June 2019.[25] Later that year, the company moved from Luton to newly built headquarters in the Linford Wood area of Milton Keynes.[26] In December 2020, the POLAR and Chargemaster brands were replaced by 'bp pulse'.[27]

Chargemaster has been listed in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 list of top performing British companies since 2014.[28]

Products

[edit]
Chargemaster charging points at an Asda store in Inverness
A Chargemaster charging point

Charging units

[edit]

Chargemaster supplies wall-mounted charging points and floor-standing charging posts with AC power ratings of 3.6 kW, 7.2 kW and 22 kW, and floor-standing rapid chargers, with power ratings of 43kW AC and 50kW DC. The 3.6 kW and 7.2 kW charging units require a minimum single-phase electricity supply. The 22 kW and rapid charging units require a three-phase electricity supply.

Chargemaster launched a new rapid charger in 2015, which is produced in its Milton Keynes factory. The Chargemaster 'Ultracharge' unit features a 50 kW-rated chademo connector, a 43kW-rated AC Type 2 connector and a 50 kW-rated CCS connector.[29]

Chargemaster installed their first 150 kW rapid charger in 2019; these chargers are supplied by ABB and feature both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors. Chargemaster aims to have 400 of these chargers at BP forecourts.[30]

Home charging

[edit]

Chargemaster has partnerships to provide home charging units for owners of electric vehicles made by several manufacturers, including BMW, Kia, Mercedes-Benz,[31] Mitsubishi,[32] Nissan,[33] Renault,[34] and Toyota.[35]

The company is also the home charging partner for The London Taxi Company and provides charging units for drivers of its TX eCity plug-in hybrid taxi.[36]

The company's home charging units are approved by the UK government's Office for Zero Emission Vehicles[37] and are eligible for the government's Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, which provides funding of up to 75% (capped at £350) towards the cost of installing electric vehicle charge points at domestic properties across the UK.[38]

Workplace charging

[edit]

Chargemaster supplies charge points to workplaces, including supermarkets,[39] local authorities[40] and other businesses.[41]

The company's workplace charging units are approved by the UK government's Office for Zero Emission Vehicles[42] and are eligible for the government's Workplace Charging Scheme, which subsidises the cost of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charge points, for eligible businesses, charities and public sector organisations.[43]

Public sector charging

[edit]

Chargemaster has installed over 600 charge points for more than 50 local authorities.[citation needed]

In 2016, Chargemaster was awarded a £2.3 million contract to provide additional charging points in Milton Keynes, including for two new petrol-station-style rapid charging hubs.[44]

In 2017, Chargemaster was awarded a contract to supply its Ultracharge rapid charger under a transport for london contract to provide public rapid charging points for The London Taxi Company's forthcoming TX eCity plug-in hybrid taxi.[45] The £18 million Transport for London project aimed to create a network of 300 rapid charging points in London by 2020.[46]

Brands

[edit]

Pulse public charging network

[edit]

The company operates 'bp pulse', one of the largest electric vehicle charging networks in the UK. As of 2024, the network has over 8,000 charge points[47] of which over 3,000 are described as "high speed".[48] The network is accessible via either a pay-as-you-go 'instant access' scheme or a monthly subscription scheme, with charging points accessed via an RFID card or fob.[49] Prior to December 2020, the schemes were marketed as 'POLAR Instant' and 'POLAR Plus' respectively.[50][51]

Owners of BMW i models can access the network through membership of the BMW i ChargeNow service.[52]

Charge Your Car

[edit]

The Charge Your Car subsidiary provides "back office" services to charge point owners, in many cases local authorities. CYC handles user registration and billing, and provides a map of charge points, but does not own or maintain the equipment.[53]

Electric Vehicle Experience Centre

[edit]

In 2017, Chargemaster won the contract from Milton Keynes Council to operate the UK's first multi-brand electric car showroom, the Electric Vehicle Experience Centre, as part of the UK government’s Go Ultra Low Cities programme.[54][55][56]

Partnerships

[edit]

Chargemaster has partnerships with car manufacturers, hotels, supermarkets and motor industry organisations, including: The AA,[57] Q Park,[58] Waitrose,[59] and Accor for its Novotel and Ibis hotel brands.[60]

Chargemaster installed 78 charge points for the London Fire Brigade, the majority of which are accessible by its staff, but nine of which (at Croydon, East Ham, Edmonton, Finchley, Hainault, Harold Hill, Hornsey, Ilford and New Malden fire stations) are publicly accessible.[61]

The company is the official supplier of charging infrastructure to the FIA Formula E electric motor racing series. Chargemaster facilitates wireless charging of the official course cars, including the BMW i8 safety car and the BMW i3 medical car.[62][63]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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BP Pulse

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from Grokipedia
BP Pulse is the (EV) charging division of plc, a British multinational company, specializing in public ultrafast charging stations, commercial fleet solutions, and charging-as-a-service models across key markets including the , , , and . The network, branded as bp pulse since its UK launch in , operates over 40,000 charge points globally as of 2025, establishing it as one of the largest EV infrastructure providers. BP Pulse emphasizes strategic expansions such as Gigahubs—high-capacity sites with dozens of ultrafast chargers—deployed near airports like International and along major highways, alongside a $100 million acquisition of Tesla ultra-fast charging hardware to enhance network speed and reliability. The division supports BP's broader $1 billion commitment to EV infrastructure by 2030, integrating proprietary software like for fleet optimization and a for real-time station location and payments. While achieving notable milestones in scale and partnerships, such as installations at sites and collaborations with retailers, bp pulse has drawn user complaints regarding charger uptime, app glitches, and compatibility issues with certain vehicles, contributing to lower reliability ratings in early surveys.

History

Origins and BP Acquisition

Chargemaster Ltd., the entity that formed the foundation of BP Pulse, was established in 2008 as the United Kingdom's pioneering provider of (EV) charging infrastructure. Founded by entrepreneur David Martell, the company developed both public and private charging solutions, including home and workplace units, and operated the POLAR network, which had grown to encompass over 6,500 public charging points by mid-2018, serving more than 40,000 customers. On June 28, 2018, announced its agreement to acquire for £130 million, marking the oil major's initial major foray into EV charging as part of its broader strategy to adapt to electrification trends. The acquisition integrated 's network and expertise into 's operations, with the subsidiary initially rebranded as to align with 's branding while preserving its established POLAR public network. This move provided access to the UK's largest public EV charging infrastructure at the time, positioning it to leverage its extensive network of over 1,200 petrol forecourts for future expansion.

Rebranding and Initial Expansion

In June 2018, acquired , the United Kingdom's largest charging provider, for £130 million. At the time, Chargemaster operated over 6,500 public charging points through its Polar network and was the first company to manufacture rapid chargers in the UK. The acquisition positioned to integrate EV charging into its forecourt infrastructure, with initial plans to rebrand the company as while retaining its operations and workforce. Following the acquisition, BP Chargemaster pursued initial expansion by adding approximately 500 new charging points in public spaces and launching ultra-fast charging capabilities. In August 2019, it introduced the UK's first 150 kW chargers at BP service stations in the area, with intentions to deploy up to 400 such units across BP sites nationwide to support longer-distance EV travel. By mid-2019, the Polar network had grown to more than 7,000 points, reflecting BP's commitment to scaling infrastructure amid rising EV adoption. In December 2020, BP unified its charging operations under the bp pulse brand, phasing out the BP Chargemaster and standalone Polar identities to streamline customer access and branding consistency. This rebranding coincided with continued investments in network growth, enhancing software integration and public accessibility to prepare for broader EV market demands. The move marked bp pulse's formal establishment as BP's dedicated EV charging entity in the UK.

Global Rollout and Scaling (2018-2023)

In June 2018, acquired , the 's largest EV charging operator with over 6,500 public points, establishing a foundation for international expansion under what would become the bp pulse brand. This move integrated Chargemaster's network into 's retail sites, initiating plans for ultra-fast chargers at up to 1,200 forecourts while eyeing broader European and global deployment. By December 2020, rebranded its charging operations to bp pulse in the UK, coinciding with launches in under the Aral pulse brand and entry into , marking the onset of true global scaling. In , Aral pulse began deploying ultra-fast points up to 350 kW at Aral stations, targeting 500 such units by early 2021 to support cross-border logistics. China's operations, starting in 2020, focused on rapid DC chargers, reaching approximately 10,000 points by 2023 amid high urban demand. These efforts extended to the through site integrations, building on BP's European fuel . In 2021, bp pulse acquired AMPLY Power in the US for fleet solutions, rebranding it to bp pulse in September 2022 and announcing a $1 billion investment for public and commercial chargers by 2030. A November 2021 partnership with Volkswagen aimed to add up to 8,000 fast-charging points across Germany, the UK, and other European markets by end-2024, leveraging bp pulse's existing infrastructure. Globally, the network grew to around 13,000 points by late 2021, driven by rapid and ultra-fast installations. Scaling accelerated through 2022-2023, with charge points increasing to 22,000 by March 2023 and 29,000 by year-end, prioritizing 90% rapid or ultra-fast units. In January 2023, bp pulse launched Europe's first public E-truck charging corridor along Germany's 600 km Rhine-Alpine route, featuring six 300 kW sites to enable heavy-duty electrification. This period emphasized hub developments, such as urban and motorway clusters, aligning with BP's target of over 100,000 points by 2030 while focusing initially on the UK, US, Germany, and China.

Recent Strategic Shifts (2024-2025)

In April 2024, BP Pulse underwent a significant restructuring, including job reductions and a contraction of its international operations from 12 countries to four core markets: the , , , and . This refocus was driven by slower-than-expected adoption in some regions and aimed to concentrate investments on areas with stronger demand and regulatory support to hasten profitability. The division targeted by the end of 2025, building on margin improvements observed in 2023 and early , while maintaining commitments like a $1 billion in U.S. through 2030. In parallel, BP's broader corporate strategy under new leadership emphasized higher returns from oil and gas assets over aggressive renewable expansions, indirectly influencing EV charging priorities by prioritizing cost discipline. Despite the scaled-back ambitions, BP Pulse pursued targeted growth in priority markets. In the U.S., it opened its first Gigahub in in April 2024 and announced ultrafast charging deployments at 75 sites in July 2024, alongside a May 2025 agreement with for six-bay hubs featuring 400 kW chargers. In the UK, the company extended its partnership with in October 2025 to bolster urban charging infrastructure. These moves reflected a pivot to high-utilization, revenue-generating sites over widespread rollout.

Charging Solutions

Public and Rapid Charging Units

BP Pulse's public charging units form a core component of its EV infrastructure, comprising accessible AC and DC chargers deployed at BP service stations, supermarkets, parking facilities, and standalone hubs primarily in the , , and select European markets. These units support contactless payments via the bp pulse app, which integrates location search, session monitoring, and features such as time-of-use rates introduced in the in April 2025. Rapid charging units, defined as DC fast chargers delivering 50 kW or more, prioritize high-power output for reduced dwell times, with common configurations including 50 kW, 150 kW, and ultra-rapid options up to 400 kW compatible with CCS, NACS, and protocols. As of January 2025, BP Pulse's global public network includes over 37,500 charging points, with rapid and ultra-rapid units concentrated along major transport corridors to facilitate intercity travel and fleet operations. In the UK, rapid deployment has accelerated, with more than double the ultra-fast points compared to 2022 levels by late 2023, extending to over 50 such units in by September 2025; the network supports electric trucks via partnerships like the September 2025 Moto collaboration for motorway hubs. In , initiatives include a pan-European frame agreement with for over 100 fast-charging hubs and a partnership targeting up to 8,000 points across , the , and other countries by end-2024, emphasizing 150 kW+ DC units. In the , rapid charging expansion focuses on ultra-fast infrastructure, exemplified by the July 2025 opening of a 48-stall DC hub near featuring a mix of 400 kW and 150 kW chargers, alongside 12-bay sites at locations like , with plans for 40 such hubs. August 2025 additions in , , , and further bolstered ultrafast access up to 400 kW, often integrated with amenities like lounges for ride-hail drivers. Specific examples include the hub with three 150 kW chargers (upgradable to 300 kW) and four 50 kW units, enabling simultaneous charging for up to 10 vehicles. These units aim for reliability improvements, though rollout challenges persist in matching demand growth.

Home and Residential Charging

BP Pulse provides home EV charging solutions through wall-mounted units designed for residential installation, primarily targeting the market where the company holds a significant presence in the EV sector. These chargers enable overnight charging to support daily needs, with standard models offering 7.4 kW output that delivers approximately 30 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on vehicle efficiency and conditions. Faster variants at 11 kW or 22 kW are available for homes with compatible three-phase electrical supplies, reducing charge times for higher-capacity batteries. Key features include tethered Type 2 connectors for secure, plug-and-charge operation and connectivity for remote management via the BP Pulse app, allowing users to schedule charging sessions, monitor energy usage, and receive notifications on session completion or faults. Models such as the HCW7T2 incorporate integrated and compliance with smart charging regulations, enabling integration with off-peak tariffs to optimize costs. In May 2022, BP Pulse home chargers, powered by IoTecha's OCPP-compliant technology, became the first in the to achieve BSI Kitemark for cybersecurity and , ensuring robust protection against unauthorized access and reliable performance across EV models. For fleet operators, BP Pulse extends residential charging via installation services at employee homes, facilitating managed charging programs that track usage and integrate with corporate billing systems. User support includes detailed guides for setup, such as uncoiling cables fully before connecting to avoid faults, and troubleshooting for issues like delayed charging starts, often resolved through app-based diagnostics or customer service. While primarily domestic-focused, these solutions emphasize compatibility with major EV brands and adherence to standards like those from the government's Plug-in Grant era, though post-2022 subsidies have shifted emphasis to private installations.

Commercial and Fleet Charging

BP Pulse offers tailored (EV) charging solutions for commercial fleets, emphasizing depot-based infrastructure, charge management software, and Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) models to support business . These services include the installation and operation of charging points at fleet depots, enabling operators to manage high-volume EV transitions efficiently. A core component is Omega, BP Pulse's proprietary charge management software, which optimizes fleet charging by automating sessions during periods of lowest energy costs and adapting dynamically to operational demands. This software integrates with depot hardware to prioritize vehicle uptime, reduce grid strain, and minimize expenses through features like load balancing and predictive scheduling. For heavy-duty applications, BP Pulse deploys specialized infrastructure such as E-truck charging stations; in , the company is constructing eight dedicated sites along the 600-kilometer Rhine-Alpine Corridor to facilitate long-haul electric freight. In the UK, partnerships target rollout on major routes, including collaborations with motorway operators like Moto. In the United States, BP Pulse has expanded fleet-accessible hubs, such as the January 27, 2025, opening of its first EV charging site at , designed for commercial fleets with ultrafast capabilities up to 350 kW. A May 20, 2025, agreement with will install chargers at locations across states including , Georgia, and , enhancing on-route support for delivery and logistics fleets. Additionally, select deployments incorporate Tesla ultra-fast chargers (up to 250 kW) at customer depots as part of a broader network expansion.

Networks and Brands

Core Public Networks

BP Pulse's core public networks consist of directly operated, publicly accessible EV charging stations, primarily featuring rapid and ultra-rapid DC fast chargers installed at -owned or controlled sites such as forecourts, service areas, and dedicated urban hubs. These form the foundational of the bp pulse , emphasizing for everyday drivers with speeds up to 400 kW to minimize charging times. Globally, the network encompasses over 39,000 charge points as of 2025, with the majority oriented toward public access and a focus on high-power delivery to support longer journeys and fleet integration. In the , the core network originated with installations at service stations and has expanded to include landmark sites like the Gigahub at the NEC Birmingham, which supports up to 180 vehicles simultaneously with ultra-fast bays. Access is enabled via the bp pulse app for real-time availability and payments, RFID cards, or contactless bank cards at select rapid points, ensuring broad usability without proprietary restrictions. By March 2025, cumulative charges across the network reached 5 million, reflecting accelerated adoption amid rising EV ownership. The U.S. core network prioritizes ultrafast hubs in high-traffic corridors, such as the 48-bay facility opened two miles from in July 2025, equipped with 400 kW and 150 kW chargers alongside amenities like lounges for extended sessions. has committed $1 billion to U.S. expansion by 2030, targeting metro and airport proximity to address , with Level 3 DC chargers delivering up to 150 kW or higher at core sites. Approximately 90% of recent core public installations worldwide prioritize rapid or ultra-rapid capabilities, aligning with BP's strategy to future-proof against increasing EV demands while integrating where feasible. The network supports standard connectors like CCS and , with ongoing upgrades to NACS for broader compatibility.

Acquired and Integrated Brands

In June 2018, BP acquired , the United Kingdom's largest electric vehicle charging company, for £130 million. Chargemaster operated over 6,500 charging points across public, workplace, and home locations, making it a foundational asset for BP's entry into EV infrastructure. Following the acquisition, the company was initially rebranded as BP Chargemaster to align with BP's expanding strategy. In December 2020, BP integrated the Polar network—a public EV charging service with access to thousands of points—into its operations, merging it with BP Chargemaster under the unified BP Pulse brand. This consolidation aimed to streamline user access via a single app and payment system, while retaining Polar's membership benefits like the Polar Plus subscription for discounted charging. The move expanded BP Pulse's footprint to over 7,000 UK charge points at the time, enhancing network density in key urban and motorway locations. BP further bolstered its fleet-focused offerings in December 2021 by acquiring AMPLY Power, a U.S.-based provider of EV charging and solutions tailored for commercial fleets such as buses and trucks. AMPLY's technology includes charging-as-a-service models and capabilities, which BP integrated to support scalable fleet without upfront capital costs for operators. AMPLY continues to operate as a distinct entity within 's portfolio but contributes to BP Pulse's commercial charging solutions, particularly in .

Partnerships and Expansions

Major Collaborations

In December 2023, bp pulse formed a with to accelerate the rollout of fast and ultrafast EV charging networks across and , with an intended of €1 billion to deploy 5,000 charge points by the end of 2025 and expand to 11,700 by 2030. The partnership leverages Iberdrola's established presence in renewable energy infrastructure and bp pulse's charging expertise to address grid constraints and demand growth in the . In the United States, bp pulse partnered with LAZ in September 2024 to develop ultra-fast EV charging hubs featuring Level 3 chargers in 20 major cities over five years, including 24/7 access and one hour of complimentary parking to enhance urban convenience. A separate strategic agreement with , announced on May 20, 2025, targets installation of six ultrafast bays per site at locations in the Southeast and Sunbelt regions, with initial sites operational in 2026 to support long-distance travel. These U.S. initiatives reflect bp pulse's focus on high-traffic commercial sites to scale accessible charging amid rising EV adoption. In the , bp pulse extended its collaboration with (TfL) through 2029 to expand public EV infrastructure, building on an existing network of over 150 chargers integrated into London's transport ecosystem. Complementing this, a September 2025 agreement with Moto introduces high-powered charging for electric trucks at key motorway services like Lymm, Toddington North, and Toddington South, targeting heavy-duty vehicle electrification. In December 2023, bp pulse also allied with The Galliard Apsley Partnership to identify and develop prime urban sites for rapid chargers, addressing land acquisition challenges in dense areas. Internationally, bp pulse joined forces with Charging in January 2025 to construct a leading EV network in , combining local market knowledge with bp's global scaling capabilities to meet surging demand. These collaborations prioritize , rapid deployment, and integration with existing infrastructure to mitigate and support fleet transitions, though execution depends on regulatory approvals and grid upgrades.

Recent Infrastructure Projects

In July 2024, BP Pulse partnered with to install 75 fast-charging bays across various Simon mall and outlet locations in the United States, enhancing accessibility in retail and shopping environments. In June 2024, 24 high-speed charging points were installed at BP's campus through a project managed by , supporting both public and employee access as part of broader campus electrification efforts. By January 2025, BP Pulse opened its first dedicated EV charging hub at a site in , featuring multiple ultra-fast chargers integrated into the truck stop network to serve long-haul drivers and travelers. In May 2025, BP Pulse entered a strategic agreement with to deploy ultrafast charging points at restaurant locations across states including , Georgia, and , targeting high-traffic roadside sites for diner-integrated infrastructure. On July 26, 2025, BP Pulse launched its largest U.S. DC fast-charging hub to date near in , at 9150 Aviation Blvd., equipped with 48 ultrafast bays capable of delivering up to 350 kW to accommodate high-demand urban and airport-adjacent travel. In August and September 2025, BP Pulse activated new ultra-fast charging sites (up to 400 kW) in , , , , and , focusing on urban hubs and travel corridors to expand public network density. In the UK, collaborated with Moto in September 2025 to deploy high-powered charging infrastructure at motorway service areas including , Toddington North, and Toddington South, featuring chargers designed for heavy-duty vehicles along primary corridors. These projects align with BP's rollout of 350 kW chargers starting in 2024 across public and fleet networks, prioritizing locations for rapid deployment and grid compatibility.

Challenges and Criticisms

Reliability and Operational Issues

BP Pulse has faced persistent criticism for charger reliability, with user reports and industry feedback highlighting frequent outages and hardware failures across its public and home charging units. In a 2021 survey of fleet operators, BP Pulse was ranked among the least reliable EV charge point providers in the UK, citing issues such as chargers frequently out of service, delayed maintenance responses, and inconsistent customer support. These problems persisted into later years, with forum discussions noting software bugs in 7 kW destination chargers that cause lockups after several days of operation, requiring remote resets that are not always promptly executed. Operational downtime has been exacerbated by app and glitches, including failures to process transactions via contactless cards or added methods, often crashing during verification as reported in user experiences as recent as April 2025. A network-wide outage on June 24, 2024, disrupted app functionality, RFID card usage, and contactless payments, forcing reliance on alternative methods and underscoring vulnerabilities in backend . Fast chargers have underperformed relative to advertised speeds, with instances of 150 kW units delivering only partial output, leading users to avoid them in favor of competitors unless no alternatives exist. Home charging installations have drawn complaints regarding WiFi-dependent models prone to connectivity failures post-warranty, with replacement units failing within months and BP declining repairs beyond initial coverage periods, as documented in cases from April 2024 onward. reviews on platforms like reflect a mixed but concerning , with a 4.3 overall rating tempered by recurring mentions of unresponsive chargers and prolonged fault resolutions, though support responsiveness receives some praise. Following BP's acquisition of , reportedly declined, with units left inoperable for months, contributing to an industry of BP Pulse as one of the less dependable networks.

Business and Market Challenges

In April 2024, BP Pulse reduced its workforce by over 10% and curtailed global expansion plans after rapid charger investments failed to deliver expected returns, prompting a shift toward more viable segments within BP's broader operations. This retrenchment aligned with BP's efforts under CEO to prioritize high-profit areas amid persistent pressures on the company's overall performance. By July 2025, BP Pulse exited the UK workplace EV charging market entirely, redirecting focus to public charging hubs and rapid networks due to the segment's high operational demands and limited scalability. The decision highlighted vulnerabilities in fragmented charging ecosystems, where maintenance-intensive deployments strained resources without commensurate revenue growth. Further contractions occurred in July 2025 when sold its mobility, convenience, and operations to Catom, signaling a retreat from select European markets to consolidate in higher-potential regions. These actions underscore market challenges including elevated infrastructure capital expenditures, uneven EV adoption rates, and intense competition from specialized networks, which have eroded 's ambitions in diversified charging applications. Despite earlier projections in January 2022 that fast EV chargers could soon outpace traditional pumps in profitability—based on growth trends—realized economics have lagged, exacerbated by grid constraints and low initial utilization rates in nascent markets. BP's strategic pivots reflect a causal recognition that EV charging profitability hinges on scale and density, areas where BP Pulse has struggled against rivals with deeper network interoperability and user trust.

Strategic and Market Position

Role in BP's Energy Strategy

BP Pulse serves as a cornerstone of BP's efforts to diversify its energy portfolio amid the global shift toward , integrating EV charging with BP's traditional retail and mobility assets to support lower-carbon solutions. Launched as part of BP's 2020 strategy reset to transform into an integrated energy company, BP Pulse leverages over 7,000 existing fuel stations worldwide to deploy charging points, enabling BP to capture revenue from the expanding market while reducing reliance on sales at forecourts. This aligns with BP's net zero ambition by 2050, as EV adoption displaces oil demand in , a sector for about half of global oil consumption, though the network's environmental impact depends on the carbon intensity of the underlying grid. The initiative underpins 's mobility strategy by targeting high-growth segments such as public fast-charging hubs, fleet electrification, and partnerships with rental firms like Hertz, with committed investments including $1 billion in U.S. by 2030 to install thousands of ultra-fast chargers. Pulse's expansion, aiming for 100,000 global charging points by 2030, positions to benefit from government incentives and regulatory pushes for EV , such as those in the U.S. and , while integrating charging with convenience retail to enhance site utilization and customer loyalty. Following BP's 2024-2025 strategic refinements, which prioritized oil and gas production for higher returns amid volatile energy markets, investments in renewables were curtailed, but EV charging was preserved as a resilient, capital-light opportunity with long-term scalability. This adjustment included workforce reductions of over 10% in BP Pulse operations to improve efficiency, reflecting a data-driven reassessment that EV infrastructure yields steadier cash flows compared to intermittent renewables, even as BP maintains its net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction targets of 20% by end-2025 from 2019 levels. Overall, BP Pulse embodies BP's pragmatic pivot: sustaining strengths while hedging against transport decarbonization through targeted plays.

Financial Performance and Profitability

BP Pulse, operating primarily through subsidiaries like Limited in the UK, generated of £44.2 million in 2024, a marginal increase from £44.0 million in 2023, reflecting stable but modest income from charging services amid network expansion. However, the business reported substantial net losses, with a £66.4 million deficit in 2024—improved from £83.8 million in 2023—driven by impairment charges on assets under construction (£19.6 million) and subsidiary investments (£1.5 million), alongside increased stock provisions (£6.6 million). These figures underscore heavy capital expenditures for infrastructure growth, including a £150 million equity injection from in 2024 to bolster liquidity and support ongoing operations.
YearRevenue (£ million)Net Loss (£ million)
202344.083.8
202444.266.4
Globally, Pulse expanded to over 39,100 charge points by the end of 2024, up approximately 35% from 29,000 in 2023, with energy sales rising about 75% year-over-year, yet these operational gains have not translated to segment-level profitability isolation for EV charging within 's Customers & Products division. The broader division posted an underlying replacement cost profit before interest and tax of $2.6 billion in 2024, down slightly from $2.6 billion in 2023, but an overall replacement cost loss of $1.6 billion due to impairments elsewhere, with EV charging investments forming part of $3.0 billion allocated to low-carbon activities. has projected EV charging returns exceeding 15% in combination with operations, targeting $1.5 billion in earnings contribution long-term, though specific Pulse profitability remains elusive amid slower EV adoption risks. Profitability challenges intensified in 2024-2025, prompting cost-cutting measures including job reductions in the EV charging arm and the axing of BP's low-carbon mobility team, signaling a strategic pivot toward higher-return oil and gas amid subdued utilization rates. Earlier optimism, such as 2022 claims that fast chargers were nearing parity with petrol pumps in profitability, contrasted with persistent losses, attributed to upfront costs outpacing maturation. anticipates disciplined transition investments of $1.5-2.0 billion annually through 2027, but EV charging's path to —once forecasted for 2025—faces headwinds from market volatility and delayed fleet .

Broader Industry Impact

BP Pulse has accelerated the deployment of public EV charging , particularly high-speed and ultra-fast chargers, contributing to the mitigation of and supporting broader EV market growth. In the United States, BP announced a $1 billion investment in EV charging by 2030, including a $100 million order for Tesla ultra-fast chargers in October 2023 to expand along highways and urban corridors. This includes the opening of North America's first Gigahub in in March 2024, featuring 24 fast-charging points, with plans for hundreds more hubs by decade's end to serve high-demand locations like motorways and destinations. Such developments align with national initiatives like the National program, enhancing corridor coverage and . In , BP Pulse has advanced heavy-duty , constructing eight dedicated E-Truck charging stations along a 600-kilometer segment of Germany's Rhine-Alpine Corridor, one of the continent's busiest freight routes, to enable long-haul electric trucking. These efforts promote fleet transitions by providing reliable, high-power options, as evidenced by compatibility with industry-standard Type 2 sockets for passenger vehicles and OCPP protocols in select installations, though some legacy assets have faced compatibility challenges. By leveraging BP's existing fuel station footprint, the network integrates charging with traditional services, signaling oil majors' strategic shift toward hybrid models that blend fossil fuels with , potentially lowering barriers for consumer adoption. However, BP Pulse's recent strategic contractions highlight profitability hurdles in the sector, influencing industry perceptions of . In April 2024, the unit cut jobs and narrowed its focus from 12 countries to four—the , , Germany, and China—amid slower-than-expected EV uptake and high deployment costs. The July 2025 withdrawal from the UK workplace charging market redirected resources to public hubs, potentially increasing public network strain and underscoring fragmentation risks if providers prioritize high-margin rapid charging over diverse applications. These moves, while pragmatic for 's focus on viable segments, may temper optimism about rapid parity with stations, as EV charging profitability lags despite projections like BP's 2022 forecast of surpassing fuel pumps. Overall, BP Pulse exemplifies how incumbent energy firms drive volume but reveal causal dependencies on policy incentives, grid upgrades, and demand growth for sustained impact.

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