How can you make the most of your charging time?

10 ideas to help you maximise every minute

Here’s a relaxation hack you might not know. In a busy world, time spent topping up your EV can be a golden opportunity to catch up with a few things and relax. Here are ten tips for a productive top-up.

Treat yourself to a snack or drink

From a cheeky coffee to that irresistible pastry, if you love the unsung delights of a motorway gastro stop, you can maximise your charging time by visiting a bp pulse charge where you can get your groceries, coffee or snacks from retailers including M&S and Wild Bean Cafes.

Do the food shop at M&S

Thanks to our exciting new partnership with M&S, we’ve got chargers with M&S on site, so you can grab some goodies – or just stock up on a few things for dinner – while your EV charges. We’re in Torbay and Taunton, and our biggest site yet has just opened in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, with plans for up to 70 in total soon. Remember, you can save your favourite charging sites on the app when you subscribe.

Get peace of mind with a bit of forward planning

An ABC charging approach – or Always Be Charging – is a great mindset to have in the EV world. While you charge, look at your journey to see where you might want to charge next, so you feel range-confident and fully refreshed when you arrive, too. Just a few minutes on our app, or Google Maps, will show you chargers on your route.

Download our app and subscribe for best charging rates

If you’re flicking through emails and news, why not download our app for free while you’re at it. You can filter for charging speeds, and manage your charging activity, and if you subscribe for £7.85 a month you can access our lowest charging rates – and enjoy £45 worth of charging credit on us.

Catch up on that hot new book, podcast or audio book

Reading or listening to something new can reap huge benefits for drivers. Feel calm, inspired, and re-energised for the drive ahead.

Give your playlist a refresh

Make the most of your charging time to curate some new music for yourself. If you fancy something themed, we’ve got a playlist to get you started.

Go for walkies

If you’ve got a dog in the car, treat them to a little walk and some fresh air while you charge – and you, too? For a slightly longer walk, check out these scenic spots with our charging nearby to really make a day of it? (Once you’ve finished charging, if you think you’re going to be away for a while, don’t forget to free it up for others, as we’ve written about in this guide to charging etiquette.)

Make some memories

Travelling with kids? While your EV is charging, why not treat your children to a few rounds of thumb war – or rock paper scissors. Revisiting childhood classics and reviving those traditions can be a lovely way to make the most of your charging time.

Get a head start on admin (or adventures)

Charging time can be a great chance to catch up on things – big and little. Responding to those emails while charging means you’ll free up time for later. Or you could even start making plans for long talked about reunion.

Try a stretch

A short yoga video with upper body stretches can bring lots of health benefits in the middle of a drive. Limber up while you top-up so you can get back in the EV feeling refreshed.

We hope you now feel as enthusiastic about your charging experience as you do about your destination. And remember - we're always here to support your charging journey. See you on the road.