bp pulse is the latest UK charge point operator to increase its charging prices as the industry wrestles with spiralling energy costs. The operator has announced that a charge at one if its 150kW rapid chargers will cost 59p per kWh if the customer pays via contactless. This represents a 4p per kWh rise from the current price and aligns it with Shell Recharge.

The changes come into effect from 26 May 2022 and will come as a further blow to drivers who rely on the rapid charge network. Drivers needing to charge at a 50kW unit will now pay 56p per kWh (an increase of 6p per kWh) while those using a slow AC (7kW) post will now pay 45p per kWh (+5p).

bp pulse points out that drivers can reduce these costs by either registering or subscribing. Customers who sign up for the £7.85 monthly subscription will pay 45p per kWh to use a 150kW charger - a saving of 14p per kWh. That means a driver who uses more than 56kWh of electricity at a bp pulse 150kW (£33) unit will be better off by using the subscription. Customers who register their details with bp will pay between 2 and 3p less per kWh to use the brand’s chargers. 

bp pulse’s latest increase comes as many of the UK’s biggest providers are having to increase charge costs for customers. As of 19 May, the contactless PAYG cost for using chargers is:

Instavolt: 57p per kWh
GRIDSERVE Electric Highway: 45-50p per kWh (depending on charger speed)
Shell Recharge 175kW: 59p per kWh
Osprey: 49p per kWh
ChargePlace Scotland: 45p per kWh
MFG EV Power: 49p per kWh
IONITY:  72p per kWh

bp pulse's 150kW rapid chargepoints will now cost up to 59p per kWh to use