BP Pulse Charging Stations: A How-to Use Guide

In the next electrifying instalment of our public network series, where we dive into the UK’s best public charging infrastructure, we’re charging on with BP Pulse—a network supercharged to meet the demands of a nation going electric.

Ready to charge ahead with BP Pulse charging stations? Let’s take a closer look at the power behind the plug.

Who is BP Pulse?

BP Pulse powers the UK’s largest public EV charging network, with over 8,000 charging points nationwide. Since a core part of BP’s plan to hit net zero by 2050 or sooner, BP Pulse isn’t just keeping up with the biggest shift in automotive history—they are helping to drive it with their range of fast, rapid and ultra-rapid public chargers spread far and wide.

Where do I find BP Pulse Charging Stations?

Asking how do I find BP Pulse chargers near me? It’s easy. Simplify your search by using the popular Zap-Map app, or download the BP Pulse app to find chargers nearby. With these tools, there’s no need to juggle multiple apps—free up space on your phone while staying powered up wherever your journey takes you.

 

What’s more, you can find where new BP Pulse charging stations are popping up on their website.

What do BP Pulse charging stations look like?

Most BP Pulse EV chargers are tall and pillar-like, standing confidently as part of the modern charging landscape. The design is clean and sleek, with glossy white surfaces accented by little bursts of their brand dark blue, which gradient into a light green. Large touchscreens will likely be ready for you at the front to start your charging sessions, too. And, of course, the BP pulse Helios will be there (the sun-like logo).

The only charging station that differs in the public charger portfolio is the 7kW BP pulse charging point, which is much smaller than the rapid and ultra-rapid charging points that almost look akin to robots. Slim and short, the BP pulse 7kW chargers are not only different in size but also in colour. While blue and green are still heavily featured, these charging points are coated entirely in black.

Is BP Pulse charging free?

Unfortunately not. Sadly, public charging points, as standard, aren’t free and are actually more expensive than charging your EV at home.

In truth, most public charging networks cost similar prices. The reason? These chargers, nine times out of ten, are rapid or ultra-rapid chargers, providing significantly more energy to your EV battery than the fast chargers (in other words, home EV chargers). For example, the average home charger charges at 7kW AC (alternating current), whereas public charging stations can reach heights of 350kW with direct current. The faster the speed, the more expensive the price.

Free chargers do exist. Not many. Some, though. If you’re desperate for free electricity, learn more about free EV charging points in our article.

While BP charging points might not be free, BP Pulse does offer other benefits to electric car drivers. Especially coffee lovers. Get 50% off at Wild Bean Café, and recharge your beans while charging your car.

Of course, there are rules. You have to charge at a BP Pulse charger, granted, but it has to be at a BP-owned and operated BP petrol station as well. Plus, it can only be one coffee.

How much does it cost to charge at a BP Pulse charging station?

The price of BP Pulse charging stations depends on what charger you use – specifically the speed – and how you pay. Typically, though, you get the benefits of cheaper electricity prices with the BP pulse membership. Remember, too, the faster you charge your electric car, the more expensive it will likely be.

Let’s get into BP Pulse costs.

BP Pulse Membership Subscription Price:

Type of kW EV charger Price per kWh
Fast charging (7kW) 44p
Rapid charging (43/50kW) 53-63p
Ultra-rapid (150kW+) 59-69p

 

BP Pulse Pay as You Go (PAYG):

Type of kW EV charger Price per kWh
Fast charging (7kW) 59p
Rapid charging (43/50kW) 67-77p
Ultra-rapid (150kW+) 73-83p

 

BP Pulse Contactless:

Type of kW EV charger Price per kWh
Fast charging (7kW) 59p
Rapid charging (43/50kW) 79-85p
Ultra-rapid (150kW+) 85-89p

 

It’s important to be aware that BP Pulse might incur a pre-authorisation fee of £45 or £50 for 50kW or 150kW chargers.

 

Dive into the BP Pulse prices in detail.

How do I pay for BP Pulse charging stations?

  • Through the app with a full BP Pulse membership (sometimes referred to as the BP pulse subscription)
  • BP Pulse charge card (sometimes called an RFID card)
  • Contactless bank card or other contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay
  • Pay online

What charging rates are available with BP Pulse charge points?

Overall, BP Pulse charging stations are available in fast, rapid, and ultra-rapid EV chargers. Here are the available BP chargers and their charging speeds:

  • BP Pulse 150kW
  • BP pulse point 150kW
  • BP pulse 43kW/50kW
  • BP pulse 7kW

Ready to swap public charging costs for cheaper, more convenient home charging? You’re in the right place.

Charge for as little as 7p per kWh during off-peak hours with the home charging set up. Trust us to install it for you. From the Ohme Home Pro to the Easee One, we supply and install the best EV chargers on the market. What’s more, we handle the entire process for you, including DNO notifications and any eligible grant applications.

Get your free quote or contact us below. Our experts are primed and ready to take your call, offering easy, unbiased advice.

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