This week, bp pulse opened a new 40-bay EV fast charging hub near Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, continuing its rapid expansion across the United States. Located at 8100 Monroe Road, Houston, Texas, just 1.5 miles from the airport, the site features 150 kW DC fast chargers designed for ride-hail drivers, airport rental car fleets, and local EV owners needing a quick charge.
This is bp pulse’s second charging hub in Houston, following the launch of its first U.S. hub in early 2024 at bp’s Houston headquarters. The new Hobby Airport location includes a covered canopy for protection from the elements and offers free Wi-Fi for drivers while they charge.
The project is part of bp pulse’s nationwide effort to bring EV fast charging to key transportation hubs, including airports. In partnership with Hertz, bp pulse is developing a network of airport charging sites across the country. The two companies have already opened hubs at San Francisco International, Boston Logan, and Los Angeles International airports, with LAX now serving as bp pulse’s largest U.S. location.
bp Accelerates EV Charging Expansion with bp pulse
bp, one of the world’s leading energy companies, is making a major push into electric vehicle (EV) charging through its bp pulse brand, signaling a shift toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions. Recognizing the growing demand for EV infrastructure, bp is rapidly expanding its network of fast charging hubs across the United States and beyond.
This expansion reflects bp’s broader commitment to the energy transition. As global demand for zero-emission vehicles grows, investments in fast, reliable, and accessible charging infrastructure are essential. bp pulse not only provides the hardware drivers need but also helps accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, contributing to cleaner air, lower emissions, and a more sustainable future.
Oil Majors Plug Into the EV Charging Boom
In recent years, some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies have quietly begun transforming their business models to include electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. These moves reflect a recognition that the energy transition is real and that owning a key role in EV charging can help them stay relevant as mobility quickly shifts away from internal combustion engines.
One standout player is BP, which has committed to investing $1 billion in EV charging across the U.S. by 2030. The company already operates tens of thousands of charging points globally and is partnering with major travel and rental companies to bring fast-charging hubs to a broad consumer base.
Similarly, Shell has accelerated its pivot by expanding its Shell Recharge charging network and planning to divest around 1,000 company-owned gas stations as it refocuses on EV infrastructure at its retail sites.
There are several strategic reasons for this shift. First, the existing retail fuel networks that oil majors own offer a powerful platform for roll out of EV chargers, especially for drivers who cannot charge at home. Second, as vehicle fleets electrify and fast-charging demand rises, owning the charging infrastructure opens new revenue streams and enables oil companies to maintain relevance in transportation energy. Third, aligning with electrification supports their broader net-zero and transition narratives, which is vital as regulators, investors and consumers increasingly demand cleaner practices.
Of course, challenges remain. EV charging is a different business than pumping gas. Load balancing, grid management, customer service, and site economics all differ. The margins, timing of return on investment and the pace of EV adoption will determine how successful these efforts become. There is also the question of how authentic the transition is, whether it is a sideline or a genuine transformation.
Nevertheless, the involvement of oil majors in EV charging signals one thing clearly. Where once their value came from fossil fuels, now infrastructure, electrons and convenience are increasingly the battleground. For EV drivers, that means more choice and faster rollout of charging options. For the industry, it means oil companies are hedging their future by becoming mobility energy providers, not just fuel suppliers.
