THE electric vehicle charging specialist, bp pulse (formerly known as BP Chargemaster), is seeking to meet its goal of more than 700 ultra fast public chargers by 2025 through sidestepping some of the usual infrastructure constraints associated with grid upgrades.
The providers of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is hooking up with FreeWire Technologies, which specialises in providing EV charging and power solutions without the complexity of upgrading traditional energy infrastructure.
Under the proposed agreement, bp pulse will use FreeWire’s Boost Charger. The battery-integrated charging technology removes the need for every ultra-fast charger installation to have a high power grid connection.
Ross Mabon, Chief Operating Officer of bp pulse, commented:
“We’re committed to delivering fast, convenient and seamless charging to our customers. FreeWire’s Boost Charger can be an exciting addition to our EV charging solutions, allowing us to expand our network faster, and in more locations than previously possible.
“In creating a truly nationwide ultra-fast charging network, this technology will help us to provide coverage in areas where securing new, larger grid connections would make installing such infrastructure more challenging. We’re delighted to have made this initial agreement and look forward to progressing to a full contract.”
What Does It Mean For Motorists?
Ultra rapid chargers offer 100kW or more charging capability. bp pulse is committed to offering 150kW ultra rapid chargers to provide the fastest possible battery fill up time. From 0 to 80% charge can be achieved in as little as 20 minutes.
According to Zap-Map there are more than 2600 locations in the UK offering rapid or ultra rapid charging with the number of devices topping 9000. This number is continually increasing as the infrastructure for public EV charging improves.
How Does The Boost Master Work?
The FreeWire Boost Charger connects to existing low-voltage grid services while enabling ultra-fast charging using an integrated 160 kWh lithium-ion battery. FreeWire says the technological innovation virtually eliminates the costs associated with grid upgrades and reduces ongoing costs by reducing standing charges for electricity supply at the site.
The Boost Charger only requires a relatively modest grid connection, similar to a typical household supply, to trickle charge the battery and provide an additional power boost while charging, if required.
EV charging can place significant demands on the grid, especially on a local level and certain locations can’t be easily upgraded to high power connections. FireWire says the flexibility of the Boost Charger solution means that significantly more locations will be able to benefit from ultra-fast charging.
FreeWire CEO Arcady Sosinov (main picture) added:
“As a leader in the UK charging market, bp pulse is keenly aware of grid limitations and the challenges of delivering ultra-fast charging in certain locations.
“This agreement is a strong recognition of the benefits of battery-integrated charging technology and its ability to accelerate an all-electric future.”
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