#United States #San Francisco #EV Charging #Emobi #HeyCharge

Emobi and HeyCharge: Pioneering a Retrofit Solution for EV Chargers

In a groundbreaking partnership, Emobi, North America's leading EV charging infrastructure provider, and HeyCharge, a Munich-based innovator in smart EV charging technologies, have unveiled a new retrofit solution designed to seamlessly connect offline electric vehicle (EV) chargers to a vast charging ecosystem. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in providing reliable charging options for EV users across various environments, especially in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Addressing Connectivity Challenges

As electric vehicle usage grows, so does the need for dependable charging facilities. However, many existing chargers throughout North America suffer from poor connectivity, particularly in subterranean garages and densely populated urban spaces. This connectivity issue often leads to heightened operational costs, inconsistent access for fleet services, and authentication breakdowns for users.

HeyCharge's innovative approach involves integrating their hardware-enabled platform, which facilitates reliable local communication to chargers, ensuring they continue to function optimally even in environments where internet access is scarce or expensive. Emobi’s roaming hub complements this by consolidating fragmented charging networks into a unified interface, simplifying access for drivers and fleets alike.

The Retrofit Solution Explained

The essence of this partnership lies in its retrofit technology, which provides offline chargers with immediate, local communication that does not rely on the internet. This capability dramatically reduces installation complexities, eliminates the requirement for specialized labor, and decreases overall deployment and operational costs.

By retrofitting existing chargers, operators can upgrade outdated systems and extend charging facilities into areas previously deemed too costly or challenging to electrify. Once these chargers have been retrofitted, they can seamlessly join Emobi's expansive roaming network, which boasts connectivity to over 140,000 chargers across more than 26 networks in the U.S. and Canada through a single API. This integration allows these chargers to be visible on automaker interfaces, fleet platforms, and consumer charging applications, enhancing accessibility and user experience.

Enhancing User Experience

The new solution not only aids operators in scaling their infrastructure but also significantly improves the charging experience for drivers. With the retrofit, chargers now support Emobi’s JustPlug™ solution, allowing for automatic authentication without the need for apps, cards, or extensive hardware upgrades. This simplifies the process and modernizes existing chargers, making for a smoother experience for EV drivers.

Among the many advantages, the integration of features such as accurate session tracking, energy-based billing, and real-time availability crucially enhances the reliability of the service.

Positive Feedback From Leadership

Leaders from both companies are enthusiastic about the impact of this partnership. Lin Sun Fa, CEO of Emobi, highlighted that this collaboration addresses a persistent challenge in EV charging: bringing unreliable or outdated chargers into a modern, fully connected landscape.

He noted, “By pairing HeyCharge's retrofit technology with Emobi's interoperability layer and JustPlug capabilities, we're giving operators a practical way to rejuvenate underperforming chargers, ensuring they are integrated into the networks relied upon by fleets, automakers, and EV drivers.”

Echoing these sentiments, Chris Carde, CEO of HeyCharge, stressed the importance of secure and reliable charging options, regardless of the location’s connectivity limitations. “Our patented single-use security tokens and comprehensive technology enable chargers to function confidently, regardless of whether they are underground or situated in dense urban areas. Collaboration with Emobi will extend this reliability across a broader charging ecosystem, providing operators with a competitive edge and offering drivers a consistent charging experience,” he remarked.

Emobi’s Vision for EV Charging

Emobi continues to lead in providing unified infrastructure for app developers, fleets, and automakers, enhancing charger utilization and streamlining the charging process nationwide. The company has achieved recognition from reputable partners, including the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation, and is backed by prestigious investors such as Florida Funders and Y Combinator.

With this new retrofit solution, both Emobi and HeyCharge are paving the way for a more interconnected, user-friendly electric vehicle charging landscape, thereby supporting the broader transition towards sustainable transportation solutions.

Conclusion

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, the need for robust and adaptable charging solutions will become increasingly critical. Emobi and HeyCharge’s collaboration stands as a testament to innovation in this space, ultimately enhancing the charging infrastructure available to EV drivers across North America.