Summary
- BP unveiled the first of 40 planned electric-vehicle charging hubs co-located with TA highway rest stops
- The site in Jacksonville, Florida, features six CCS DC fast-chargers configured into 12 "bays"
- BP currently has 31 U.S. charging locations operated by its BP Pulse division
- BP plans to offer 400-kw connectors at TA travel center locations
- Love’s also announced that all future travel stops will have EV chargers
Article
BP has announced plans to install over 40 electric-vehicle charging hubs at TravelCenters of America (TA) highway rest stops. The first site, located in Jacksonville, Florida, along the I-95 corridor, features six CCS DC fast-chargers that are configured into 12 bays, each with a connector. BP, which acquired TA in 2023, currently operates 31 charging locations in the U.S. under its BP Pulse division, with over 100 sites planned nationwide, including the TA locations. In addition, BP announced last summer that it would build the first publicly accessible truck fast-charging station in conjunction with TravelCenters of America.
The new TA travel center location will offer 400-kw connectors, with plans to expand this capability to other sites as well. While currently using CCS connectors, BP has also placed a large order for Tesla fast-chargers. In 2022, BP stated that its fast-chargers were nearly as profitable as gas pumps and projected its entire charging operation to be profitable by 2025. Before being acquired by BP, TA had planned to partner with Electrify America to install about 1,000 individual chargers at 200 sites over five years; however, the new partnership with BP Pulse takes precedence.
Along with BP, other traditional travel center chains like Love’s have also announced plans to invest in EV chargers, with Love’s stating that all future travel stops will have EV chargers. Recent studies have shown that while Americans may not need or expect EVs to charge as quickly as gas vehicles can refuel, they do value amenities at charging facilities. The model being implemented by BP at TA locations could serve as a successful template for future charging infrastructure.
BP’s investment in electric-vehicle charging infrastructure at TravelCenters of America locations represents a significant step towards expanding access to fast-charging capabilities along major highways. By co-locating charging hubs at popular rest stops, BP is making it more convenient for EV drivers to recharge their vehicles during long trips. The addition of 400-kw connectors at the new TA site, with plans for expansion to other locations, demonstrates BP’s commitment to providing high-speed charging options to customers.
In addition to the installation of fast-chargers at TA locations, BP has also made significant investments in Tesla fast-chargers, indicating a commitment to offering a wide range of charging options to EV drivers. The profitability of BP’s fast-charging operations compared to traditional gas pumps highlights the potential for businesses to capitalize on the growing demand for electric-vehicle infrastructure. With other travel center chains, like Love’s, also investing in EV charging, it is clear that the industry is shifting towards providing essential services for the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road.
As the demand for EV charging infrastructure continues to grow, partnerships between established companies like BP and TravelCenters of America will play a crucial role in expanding access to fast-charging capabilities across the country. By leveraging existing locations and amenities at popular rest stops, companies can effectively integrate charging hubs into the existing infrastructure, making it easier for EV drivers to access the services they need. The success of BP’s charging operations and the positive reception from customers suggest that this model could serve as a blueprint for future charging infrastructure expansion efforts.
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