Waffle House, a beloved Southern dining chain, is partnering with BP Pulse to install 400-kilowatt DC fast chargers at select locations, offering EV drivers a convenient charging solution while they enjoy a meal. Announced on May 21, 2025, this collaboration aims to roll out chargers across the South, starting in Texas, Georgia, and Florida, with the first stations going live in 2026, according to The Drive.

A Game-Changer for EV Road Trips

The partnership addresses a key pain point for EV owners: access to fast, reliable charging during long drives. BP Pulse will install chargers capable of delivering 400 kW of power, allowing drivers to “top up your battery pack while you are stronger at 1:27 a.m., after ordering a bacon, egg, and cheese hashbrown bowl,” as stated in the original announcement. Each Waffle House location will feature six charging bays equipped with both CCS and NACS connectors, ensuring compatibility with most EVs on the market, including Tesla models. This setup can add significant range in as little as 20–30 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s charging capabilities.

For EV enthusiasts, this means a road trip through the South just got easier. Waffle House’s 24/7 operation at most locations—open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year—ensures drivers can charge at any time, even during late-night drives. With plans to expand beyond the initial states, this initiative could set a new standard for integrating EV infrastructure with everyday amenities.

Technical Details and Infrastructure Insights

The 400-kW DC fast chargers are among the most powerful available for consumer EVs, capable of delivering up to 250 miles of range in about 20 minutes for compatible vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Tesla Model 3. CCS (Combined Charging System) and NACS (North American Charging Standard) connectors cater to a broad range of vehicles, reflecting the industry’s push toward universal charging standards. BP Pulse’s expertise in EV infrastructure ensures reliable, high-speed charging, while Waffle House’s strategic locations along highways make them ideal stops for travelers.

This move aligns with broader trends in the EV industry, where partnerships between charging networks and retail chains are becoming more common. Companies like Electrify America and ChargePoint have similarly collaborated with brands like Walmart and Starbucks, but Waffle House’s round-the-clock availability offers a unique advantage. However, the rollout’s success will depend on BP Pulse’s ability to maintain uptime and manage grid demands, especially in rural areas where electrical infrastructure may lag.

Implications for EV Drivers and the Industry

For EV owners, this partnership means more than just convenience—it’s a step toward normalizing EV travel in regions where charging deserts have been a barrier. The South, with its sprawling highways and limited charging options, has historically been a challenging area for EV adoption. By starting in Texas, Georgia, and Florida, BP Pulse and Waffle House are targeting high-traffic areas where demand is already growing.

Economically, this could boost Waffle House’s foot traffic while providing BP Pulse with a steady stream of charging revenue. From a regulatory perspective, the initiative supports federal goals to expand EV infrastructure, potentially qualifying for incentives under programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.

As EV adoption accelerates, collaborations like this highlight the importance of integrating charging into daily routines. For drivers planning a Southern road trip in 2026, a quick charge at Waffle House could become as routine as grabbing a coffee—making EV travel more accessible and practical than ever.

Photo courtesy of Waffle House