bp merge Chargemaster & Polar to form new ‘pulse’ name
bp pulse is the new name for both bp Chargemaster, one of the UK’s leading electric vehicle charging companies; and Polar, the UK’s largest public charging network.
Since acquiring both brands in 2018, bp has said it has invested in expanding its UK public charging network, as well as in the people, products and processes to help strengthen its position in the UK EV market.
After 11 years as Chargemaster, then bp Chargemaster, bp said pulse gave them an opportunity to refresh their look and feel. A single website is now available for both new and existing EV customers, with both the bp Chargemaster and Polar websites having been replaced by bppulse.co.uk.
As pulse, bp say they we will continue to grow their public charging network across the UK, while improving access and functionality for electric vehicle drivers.
In the UK, bp aims to more than double its current number of publicly available charging points on the bp pulse network from around 7,000 today to 16,000 by 2030, the company has confirmed.
Their subscription scheme will continue to operate, enabling access to bp pulse public charge points at a low-cost tariff and for £7.85 a month. bp pulse members will still be able to access existing and new charge points with their RFID card or key fob.
The previous Polar Plus and Polar Instant smartphone apps were recently consolidated into a single bp Chargemaster app, which has also been rebranded to bp pulse. All users will be able to start and stop charges within the app, manage their account and plan their journeys with our live map.
Throughout November, bp upgraded all their 50kW Ultracharge units with a new contactless payment terminal and improved software. They will continue to install their 50kW and 150kW rapid chargers across the country on the public charging network, all with contactless access available, including Apple, Google and Samsung Pay.
The company said their goal as bp pulse is to ensure that electric vehicle charging is as seamless, convenient and quick as possible, and want their customers to spend less time worrying about charging and more time enjoying their journey.
Matteo de Renzi, UK CEO of bp pulse, said: “As bp pulse, we continue to offer customers convenient charging solutions at home, on the go and for businesses. We are focused on making EV charging fast and convenient, and having recently become the UK’s largest ultra-fast public charging operator, this remains the priority for expansion, with a target of 700 ultra-fast chargers available by 2025 and 1,400 by 2030.”
