BP Pulse vs Shell Recharge
Which charging subscription is better value?
BP Pulse and Shell Recharge are the two biggest oil-company-backed EV charging subscriptions in the UK. Both offer monthly plans with discounted charging rates, but they differ in price, network coverage, and how the discounts work. Here is the head-to-head breakdown.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | BP Pulse | Shell Recharge |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | £7.85 | £9.99 |
| Discount | ~20% off on BP Pulse network | 30% off on Shell network |
| Subscriber rapid rate | ~69p/kWh | Varies (30% off listed price) |
| Network size (UK) | 14,000+ chargers | 300+ networks (roaming) |
| Discount applies to | BP Pulse chargers only | Shell chargers only |
| Roaming (non-discounted) | No roaming | Yes (300+ networks at standard rates) |
| European coverage | No | Yes (good EU coverage) |
| Contactless PAYG | Yes (~77p/kWh) | Yes (Shell forecourts) |
| Break-even spend/month | ~£39 on BP Pulse | ~£33 on Shell chargers |
Verdict
BP Pulse wins on UK network size — with 14,000+ chargers, you are far more likely to find a BP Pulse charger near you. Shell Recharge wins on roaming and European coverage — the card works across 300+ networks even without the discount. If you mainly charge at BP locations, the £7.85/month BP Pulse subscription is solid value. If you travel to Europe or want roaming access, Shell Recharge at £9.99/month is more versatile.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Some heavy public chargers maintain both to get discounts wherever they happen to be. However, for most people, one subscription plus a free roaming card like Electroverse covers all bases.
Shell Recharge breaks even at lower monthly spend (~£33 vs ~£39 for BP Pulse) because the 30% discount is larger. But BP Pulse chargers are far more common, so you are more likely to use the discount regularly.
If you consistently charge more than £40/month on one network, a subscription saves money. If you charge across many networks or less frequently, Electroverse's free access is better value.