BP Pulse sees record utilisation in 2021, despite lockdown

The BP Pulse charging network has provided a record amount of energy to electric vehicle (EV) drivers in the first 40 days of 2021, despite ongoing Coronavirus restrictions.

More than 2m kWh of electricity was delivered between January 1 and February 10, an increase of 19% when compared to the same period last year.

Matteo de Renzi, CEO of bp pulse, said: “Despite the lockdown, demand for EV charging on the BP Pulse public network has remained incredibly strong. When motorists are feeling a pressure to complete their journeys as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible, our data shows that they are relying on the BP Pulse network.

“With more people working remotely during the lockdown, our smart home chargers are also helping to enable essential journeys. We expect to see significant growth in the next 12 months as we head towards our 100,000th installation, with the new EV market expected to grow by almost 70% in the UK in 2021. And as even more fleet vehicles hit the road as restrictions ease over the coming months, we will be helping businesses to electrify their workplaces and depots right across the country.”

Analysis from the chargepoint provider shows a continued shift towards faster public charging. Charging sessions using 50kW rapid chargers increased by 36% with energy supplied rising by 49%, while use of 150kW ultra-rapid units was up by 34%, with a 41% increase in energy delivered.

Data from Zap-Map showed that BP Pulse added more rapid and ultra-fast charging locations than any other network in 2020 – the ideal type of chargers when people do not want to stop for too long when charging. Contactless bank card payment is available on more than 600 rapid and ultra-fast chargers on the BP Pulse network.

BP Pulse was recently added to the Ford Pass charging network, which will provide drivers of the new Ford Mustang Mach E with five-years of free access to more than 100,000 chargers across Europe.