bp pulse, who are one of the UK’s leading providers of electric car and vehicle charging infrastructure, and FreeWire Technologies, a US technology leader in electric vehicle charging and power solutions, have signed an exclusive memorandum of understanding (MOU) for bp pulse to deploy FreeWire’s Boost Chargers across the UK.
This news comes as pb pulse recently announced a significant expansion in the UK aiming to have 16,000 chargers by 2030. FreeWire’s technology will help bp pulse to deliver faster and more widespread charger deployment. This is thanks to the battery-integrated charging technology that removes the need for every ultra-fast charger installation to have a high power grid connection.
The initial agreement between the two companies, which if finalised, could be valued at more than £38 million ($50 million/€41million). This will help bp pulse hit its goal of operating 700 or more DC ultra-fast public chargers by 2025. The Boost Charger is an integrated solution that provides premium ultra-fast charging without the need for costly and time-intensive grid upgrades.
Most battery-electric cars have a maximum charge speed of 100 kW or higher, so the demand for ultra-fast charging is increasing. This in turn reduces the time it takes to charge a vehicle which makes life quicker and more convenient.
FreeWire’s Boost Charger can connect to existing low-voltage grid connections and allow ultra-fast charging using an integrated 160 kWh lithium-ion battery. This innovation eliminates many of the costs associated with upgrading the grid. It also lowers costs by reducing standing charges for electricity supply at the site.
The Boost Charger 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. Electric car charging can place significant demands on the grid, especially on a local level and so,e locations can’t easily be upgraded to high power connections. The flexibility of the Boost Charger solution means that more locations will be able to benefit from fast charging.
Ross Mabon, Chief Operating Officer of bp pulse, said: “At bp pulse we’re committed to delivering fast, convenient and seamless charging to our customers. FreeWire’s Boost Charger can be an exciting addition to our electric vehicle 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.”
Arcady Sosinov, FreeWire CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with and supporting bp pulse in its ambitious plans to deploy widespread ultra-fast charging infrastructure across the UK. 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.”
