A former SpaceX chief mechanical engineer started his own company, Electric Era, and now plans to bring fast-EV charging networks at and near convenience stores, as reported by TechCrunch.
(Photo : by Allison Dinner/Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: A Tesla vehicle is plugged into a Tesla charging station in a parking lot on September 22, 2022 in Santa Monica, California. Tesla is recalling over 1 million vehicles in the U.S. because the windows can pinch a persons fingers while being rolled up.
The company recently raised $4 million to deliver fast-charging EV stations, which aligns with US President Biden's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Hence, it also allowed it to tap into the $5 billion program.
Furthermore, Electric Era has announced that it has secured investment from Proeza Ventures, Blackhorn Ventures, Liquid 2 Ventures, and other strategic investors. The company also added another SpaceX veteran who was the lead mechanical engineer at SpaceX.
The Idea
The idea behind the PowerNode Platform is to reduce grid requirements and demand chargers while it supports fast-charging speeds. PowerNode Platform is the most affordable EV fast-charging solution that was built by Electric Era to avoid costly demand charges and grid upgrades. Therefore, it is the best solution for convenience stores, specifically those that want to qualify for NEVI grants.
Moreover, this also allows convenience stores to replicate the gas station experience while optimizing revenue and minimizing fast-charging costs. This will keep convenience stores in the game with gas stations and other charging infrastructures that will be built across the country.
Electric Era is proud of the technology that enabled them to build Tesla SuperCharger-like stations at every gas station in the US in a shorter time. Now, they are super focused on having 10,000 PowerNode charging stations installed by 2030.
EV Charging Stations at Convenience Stores
Currently, EV owners have a lot of choices when it comes to EV charging stations, but they are not that accessible. Now, with the PowerNode platform, EV owners can charge their vehicles at the same place they go when they need a quick drink, grab a bite to eat or rest for a moment.
The platform also offers a lot of benefits for convenience stores. Aside from providing extra income from selling charging, it also allows convenience stores to increase foot traffic and capture another customer segment.
Furthermore, convenience stores will no longer have to deal with the setbacks of installing EV charging stations. They can plug the existing PowerNode charging stations from Electric Era and then give their customers the comfort of quickly charging their vehicles.
As expected, Electric Era's PowerNode platform is the next major disruption in the EV charging infrastructures after Tesla SuperChargers.
So, it is clear that convenience stores are getting a lot more than just an extra source of revenue. They get a lot of opportunities that they can leverage to reach a new market and keep their stores relevant in the eyes of their customers.
Related article: First Taco Bell EV Charging Station Opens in California
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Written by April Fowell
