Seattle startup Electric Era today unveiled a sleek, interactive EV charging device that uses artificial intelligence to converse with drivers as they’re juicing up their vehicles.
The company builds electric vehicle charging systems that are typically deployed at convenience stores and other businesses. The modern-looking new unit — dubbed RetailEdge — can provide information on a vehicle’s charging status, suggest how much power is required to reach the next destination, give information on loyalty points earned at a partnering business, and even tell jokes.
“This is a next generation charging dispenser that does more than just charge cars. It can talk to drivers, it can answer their questions. It can provide them an intelligent and immersive interface while they stop to charge and shop,” said CEO and co-founder Quincy Lee.
RetailEdge incorporates in-house-designed hardware and software, including bilingual AI technology that can integrate with business partners’ existing systems. The chargers also include payment interfaces. While some competitors cut costs by using off-the-shelf components, Lee said his startup achieves efficiency by developing custom solutions.
“We are a uniquely capable team of designing very low cost products that have heightened product capabilities,” he said.
Electric Era launched in 2019 and distinguished itself by pairing its DC fast-charging systems with giant batteries to help deliver and store power needed by recharging EVs. The company has served 72,000 drivers in the past year and has 130 charging stalls deployed in roughly a dozen states. Lee said he expects those numbers to at least double by the end of next year.
The company has 40 employees and has raised $20.5 million in equity funding plus $8.9 million in debt financing.
Today’s announcement comes as EV charging infrastructure continues expanding despite policy headwinds. Republican leaders recently canceled tax credits for EV purchases, but charging stations are proliferating.
Bloomberg reported that the number of public charging stations in the U.S. increased by 19% in the first nine months of this year, with 780 high-speed stations added in the third quarter alone.
“The charging map is also being filled in by restaurants and retail stores, which increasingly see [charging] cords as a way to attract customers,” Bloomberg reported — which is the sector targeted by Electric Era.
The startup will keep selling its original charging units alongside RetailEdge. Lee described his products as “cost competitive” but didn’t share specifics.
Electric Era has so far avoided the charging cable thefts that plague many installations, as thieves sever the cables for the copper and other metals they contain. Lee suspects the company’s units are going into locations with more activity and employee oversight, but he recognizes the vulnerability.
The issue is particularly acute in the Seattle area, where Electric Era will be installing 32 ports over roughly the next eight months. The region has been hard hit by thieves targeting not only charging sites but also utility and telecommunications infrastructure.
Lee said his team is “constantly lobbying” state leaders to pass laws that protect this sort of essential infrastructure.
