Get connected
It’s easy to get confused with cables and connectors as they come in a few different flavours. There are three main ones: CHAdeMO, CCS and Type 2, along with an extra one known as a ‘granny charger’ with a three-pin plug which can be used in emergencies to add range. It only charges at around 2kW so it’s very slow and shouldn’t be used regularly as it draws maximum power from your sockets, so you’ll have to check that your electrics and fuse box are in tip-top condition. Otherwise, you might start melting things. Which isn’t good.
Your choice of car, and how quickly you're going to charge, will determine which kind of cable you use when you are out and about.
CHAdeMO is mainly used on Japanese designed cars such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV while the CCS connector is used on pretty much everything else. All you need to do when you arrive at a bp pulse charging point is pay via the app, website or using contactless payment or access card, connect the correct cable to the car and let the machines do their magic. If you’re using the bp pulse app or access card then you can even score a discounted coffee to enjoy while you wait at a bp service station.
If you’re charging overnight at home all you need to do is plug your car in to the wallbox and you’ll experience the joy of waking up every morning to a battery full of off-peak electricity ready to start your day.
At a bp pulse7 public charge point you’ll be using your own cable, which has a connector called a Type 2 at one end and the correct fitment for your car at the other. You simply connect it to your car, use the app, website or your access card to activate the charging post and then plug in. Once you’ve finished charging you just stop the electricity flow using the same app, web page or card and the cable will be released.
However you charge it will soon become second nature, just like charging your phone. Waking up with a full ‘tank’ is bliss and topping up while you get on with working, shopping or at the gym makes complete sense. Better than that, it’s cheaper too and you’ll never have to fill up with fuel again!
Socket two them - under a Leaf's flap