Bypass EV fuel card now fully integrated with Tesla Superchargers

The ‘Bypass’ EV fuel card is now fully integrated with Tesla Superchargers, further enhancing its charging proposition for fleets and drivers.

Native API integration with the Tesla Supercharger system enables the Bypass platform to auto-reconcile charge VAT receipts and introduce controls to prevent fraud

Designed to be the easiest way to manage your fleet charging, the Visa card solution enables drivers to pay at any public rapid charger across the UK and automatically get the VAT receipt back, giving a 20% reclaim on the charge.

This now includes Superchargers, thanks to a native API integration with the Tesla system that enables the platform to auto-reconcile charge VAT receipts and introduce controls to prevent fraud.

The move comes just six months after Bypass launched – and the company says it’s one of only two fuel card providers that currently offer full Tesla Supercharger integration in the UK.

Tesla makes up a huge percentage of UK business fleets, so Bypass’s native API integration is big news for Tesla operators and drivers.

But as Tesla opens up its Supercharger network to other EV brands, more drivers stand to benefit too from the Bypass integration.

Tesla first opened up its UK Supercharger network in 2022, initially via its previous-generation V2 and V3 Superchargers solely via the app, but its new V4 Superchargers also feature contactless terminals that non-Tesla drivers can use to pay too, in line with new regulations.

With Bypass, EV drivers of all brands can pay in-app or via contactless and fleet managers effortlessly receive VAT receipts along with advanced fraud and budgeting controls.

The Tesla Supercharger integration reinforces the Bypass tagline that its Visa card solution “offers more chargers than roaming cards and less hassle than credit cards”.

It’s one of a number of changes for Bypass as company founders Jamie Sunderland and Grant MacLennan advance their mission to help fleets track and control EV charging costs.

Other developments include further work on fraud prevention.

Jamie Sunderland explained: “One of the biggest concerns we hear from fleets is about fraud. We’ve heard anecdotes of fleets losing thousands of pounds throughout a couple of days with employees going rogue with RFID charging cards.

“Bypass has three lines of defence against fraud. As we transact on the Visa network, we comply with all the security regulations that you’d expect with any other credit card.

“In real-time, we use proprietary AI-powered analysis both pre- and post-transaction to make sure the charge sessions comply with fleet spend policy and highlight any suspicious spend to block cards before high bills get run up.

“We’ve begun integrating with fleet tracking platforms – our first being Samsara – to ensure that we can validate a vehicle’s charge session.”

Bypass is also broadening its remit outside of EVs, giving fleet managers the power to enable employees to make purchases on other products and services – with the same level of control and reporting. This includes ‘wet’ fuels, vehicle maintenance, tolls, parking and more.

Sunderland added that the first six months since the official launch of Bypass have seen widespread interest from fleet operators seeking a better way to control and track charging.

He went on: “We’ve been onboarding operational and company car fleets that are switching from credit cards lacking control and roaming cards that are hard to administrate and prevent fraud.

“There’s been a very positive reaction from drivers who find it easier and quicker to use.

“We’re working closely with fleet managers to make the best product in the market

“Fleet managers are crying out for a solution that gives them the flexibility of a credit card but with the control and reporting of a fuel card. This is where Bypass is the solution.”

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.