bp pulse
bp pulse (formerly Chargemaster and Polar) is owned by BP and is one of the longest-running EV charging businesses in the UK. It operates AC chargers across hotels, offices and car parks as well as DC rapids on BP forecourts and motorway services. The network is being actively upgraded following criticism of older hardware.
Live UK site count LIVE
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Source: Open Charge Map real-time database
Driver satisfaction
9,000+
4,000+
150 kW
UK-wide inc. BP forecourts
Pricing
PAYG (contactless)
89p/kWh (rapid)
💳 bp pulse subscription
£7.85/month
~20% off contactless rates
Subscribers pay around 52p/kWh on 7 kW AC and 69–74p/kWh on rapid DC. First month free. Good value if bp pulse sits on your regular commute or route.
Connectors & payment
CONNECTOR TYPES
- CCS DC (50–150 kW)
- CHAdeMO
- Type 2 AC (7–22 kW)
PAYMENT METHODS
- Contactless bank card
- bp pulse App
- RFID card
- Monthly subscription
Pros & cons
✓ Pros
- Massive network — 9,000+ chargepoints
- Good motorway and A-road coverage
- Subscription reduces cost significantly
- First subscription month free
✗ Cons
- 89p/kWh PAYG is among the most expensive
- Legacy AC chargers can be slow to find and use
- App and reliability have had mixed reviews historically
Octary driver tips
💡 Insider tips for bp pulse
BP rapid chargers at BP petrol forecourts are the best-maintained. Avoid older AC units in remote car parks where possible. Subscribe if you'll charge more than 36 kWh per month at rapid speed.
Where to find them
📍 BP petrol forecourts nationwide
📍 Hotel and retail car parks
📍 Motorway services
Other network guides