Daimler is investing more in ChargePoint in the latest round of financing and will receive a seat on the company’s Board of Directors. ChargePoint is a leading provider in electric mobility charging solutions, and is the market leader in North America. Axel Harries, of Daimler AG and head of its electric mobility think-tank, will take a seat on the Board of Directors at ChargePoint. The investment in ChargePoint was undisclosed.
It’s the latest example of how automakers and Daimler are investing deeply in electric mobility and EVs. As part of this, investments are being made outside of electric vehicle development.
Daimler says that in the coming years ~€10 billion in the expansion of its product portfolio under the EQ brand will occur. Supplementing this is expansion of the so-called electric mobility ecosystem with products, services and innovations. The range extends from intelligent charging services for the home, as well as tailor-made services to home energy storage units. This works with photovoltaics installed on house rooftops.
It’s well known that customer acceptance of electric mobility – thus far meager – is closely associated with the availability of a comprehensive infrastructure, one that is clearly deficient now.
“Together we will be able to significantly expand the product portfolio in intelligent charging solutions and provide the customer with an all-embracing premium offer for electric mobility,” said Harris.
Presently offering more than 33,000 charging spots at more than 7,000 sites around North America, ChargePoint is arguably the world’s leading provider in the electric mobility charging sector. The international expansion of the business segment to the European market is now on the agenda.
Both the development and production of infrastructure for electric vehicles are among the company’s specialties – from conventional AC charging to ultra-fast charging via DC at up to 400 kW. ChargePoint offers products for every nook of the electric vehicle charging ecosystem, including commercial businesses, retail trade, public institutions, fleet customers and individual drivers.
Combined Charging System
In Europe the company relies on the standardized Combined Charging System (CCS), with which it provides compatibility for future electric vehicle models of all brands. All the products from ChargePoint are networked via software and can be deployed for various customers in a variety of locations.
In addition to charging stations, ChargePoint also provides its customers with custom-made cloud-based solutions – starting with user-specific energy management systems and payment services, and to mobile apps with features previously unavailable in the European market, it’s claimed. Through remote monitoring and hotline support, ChargePoint ensures maximum availability of the charging stations around the clock, seven days a week – a critical purchasing factor for fleet operators of passenger cars, commercial vehicles or buses.
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