During an insightful episode of Energynomics Talks, Gabriel Avăcăriței, Chief Editor of Energynomics, explored the challenges and opportunities in the EV charging sector with Adrian Săcuiu, Managing Partner at ELVO. This Romanian software startup is breaking new ground with two flagship solutions aimed at revolutionizing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure: a robust management platform tailored for charge point operators (CPOs) and an intuitive mobile application for EV drivers. Together, these tools form a comprehensive approach to overcoming current limitations in the EV ecosystem while laying the groundwork for its future scalability.
The management platform is a cutting-edge, multi-layered system designed to meet the diverse needs of CPOs and other businesses managing EV charging networks. Built on advanced technology, it offers a wide range of functionalities, including real-time monitoring of energy consumption, revenue tracking, access control, pricing adjustments, and the seamless execution of charger actions. The platform’s innovative multi-tiered architecture provides tailored solutions at three main levels: enterprise partners with expansive networks, local partners managing smaller installations, and individual clients with modest needs. This scalability ensures that businesses ranging from small operators with just a few chargers to global companies with thousands of stations can derive value from the system.
What sets ELVO’s platform apart are its unique capabilities, such as error logging, which tracks and identifies charger issues in real time to reduce maintenance costs. Furthermore, features like static and dynamic load balancing optimize energy distribution across chargers, addressing critical bottlenecks in energy supply for locations like office buildings. Operators can customize data views, filter logs, and export information, ensuring operational transparency and efficiency. The use of industry standards, such as Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and ISO 1.6 certification, ensures compatibility with a wide range of chargers, making the platform highly versatile. These innovations not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure that infrastructure investments are future-proofed, enabling users to expand their networks seamlessly as demand grows.
Complementing the platform is the mobile app, which focuses on delivering a superior user experience for EV drivers. Designed with convenience at its core, the app allows drivers to interact effortlessly with chargers, whether by scanning QR codes or utilizing advanced “plug and charge” technology that automates session initiation and billing. The app also introduces flexibility in payment management, enabling users to toggle between personal and corporate billing profiles.
A standout feature of the app is its roaming protocol, which enables drivers to access charging stations across multiple networks without needing separate accounts for each provider. This functionality aligns with ELVO’s vision of a unified EV charging ecosystem, reducing barriers for drivers and encouraging wider adoption of electric vehicles. By integrating multiple operators into its platform, the app ensures that drivers have a consistent and reliable charging experience, irrespective of location or provider.
ELVO’s solutions are not only practical but also transformative for smaller businesses entering the EV market. The platform’s intuitive design and cost-effective pricing – starting at just 0.99 euro per connector per month – make it accessible to companies with limited resources. Real estate developers, for example, have embraced the platform’s load balancing capabilities, which optimize energy use and enable the addition of more chargers without overwhelming existing infrastructure. These features demonstrate the platform’s potential to democratize access to EV charging technology, empowering a broader range of businesses to participate in the shift toward electrification.
Beyond its technical capabilities, ELVO is actively educating the market about the value of its products. Adrian Săcuiu emphasized that while large corporations in Western Europe have long embraced sophisticated EV charging solutions, many smaller operators in Romania and other Eastern European markets are only beginning to recognize their potential. Through demos and trial periods, ELVO has successfully demonstrated the platform’s utility, earning praise for its ease of use and ability to adapt to varying business needs.
ELVO’s ambitions also extend beyond Romania. The company plans to scale its operations across Europe, leveraging its versatile platform and app to create a unified charging network that supports both small and large operators. ELVO’s platform allows for a do-it-yourself approach for setting up charging points at an accessible price point, which the company believes will democratize the EV charging business across the continent. With ongoing investments in R&D and customer education, ELVO sees itself as well-positioned to lead the charge in accelerating electrification in Europe.
ELVO’s dual-faceted approach – anchored by its management platform for CPOs and mobile app for EV drivers – addresses the critical challenges facing the EV market today. By combining innovation, scalability, and user-centric design, these solutions provide a robust foundation for the expansion of EV infrastructure in Romania and beyond. As the company continues to educate the market and refine its offerings, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.