One of the biggest obstacles to widespread electric vehicle adoption in the United States is a lack of charging infrastructure to keep the vehicles powered up and on the road.
A spate of startups has emerged in recent years to address just this problem, and Venice-based EVPassport Inc. is one of the latest companies making a play in the fast-growing and competitive vehicle charging industry.
The company, which launched in 2020, manufactures both charging hardware and the software that keeps it operational. Co-founder and President Hooman Shahidi said EVPassport is differentiating itself from competitors with a straightforward user interface that does not require vehicle owners to create an account or download an app when using chargers and making payments.
“Do you have to download an app when you get gas?” said Shahidi. “Being able to deliver a frictionless experience without having to download (anything) is critical.”
Users of EVPassport chargers scan a QR code with a mobile device to access a payment screen—a process that Shahidi likens to the ordering system many bars and restaurants have adopted during the last few years.
EVPassport has also built integrations into mapping services like Google Maps and Apple Maps.
Shahidi said that focus on simplicity extends to the property owners and operators who serve as the firm’s primary customers.
Rather than building its own charging stations, EVPassport sells chargers and software licenses to garage and building owners, who then collect the bulk of revenue generated by users of the charging equipment. The company also splits tax credits supporting electric vehicle infrastructure with property owners and operators.
Shahidi said the company’s business model allows it to keep prices low, while offering features that appeal to customers. One of these is an open programming interface built into charging software that allows companies to integrate data from chargers into software they already use.
Shahidi said EVPassport’s system allows customers to seamlessly incorporate EV charging into their existing business model, as an additional revenue source or simply a perk for tenants, consumers and employees.
