Dutch Startup Tap Electric Aims to Solve EV Charging Pain Points with AI-Powered Platform
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A growing source of frustration for electric vehicle (EV) owners – the frequently enough-complex and expensive process of public charging – is being targeted by a new platform developed by Dutch startup Tap Electric. Founded in 2020, the company is building a solution to make EV charging more transparent, accessible, and affordable, addressing concerns about finding available stations, fluctuating prices, and hidden fees.
The EV Charging Dilemma
Driving electric offers numerous benefits, but the charging experience often lags behind. Drivers frequently encounter difficulties locating public charging facilities, grapple with unpredictable pricing structures, and are burdened by accumulating hidden costs. Incompatible systems and extended wait times onyl exacerbate the issue, leaving EV owners anxious about both the location and the ultimate cost of recharging their vehicles.
Tap Electric’s Three-Pronged Approach
Tap Electric’s strategy, which recently earned the company the top prize at the TNW Conference, centers around three key areas. The platform aims to empower drivers with the tools thay need to navigate the EV charging landscape effectively.
First, Tap Electric helps drivers locate the cheapest charging stations. Through its mobile app, users can easily find chargers, compare prices, and understand upfront costs. The app displays pricing information directly on a map, and subscribers can access the lowest prices and pay via the app or a dedicated EV charge card within the startup’s network.
“In response to the complexity of finding the best deal, we use the driver’s charging behavior to predict the price of their next charge on any charger, so that they can still compare the cost of different chargers,” explained a company representative.
Second, tap Electric is focused on optimizing charging sessions using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. The platform predicts the most advantageous times and locations to plug in, maximizing value for drivers with real-time cost calculations during charging.Tools within the app, such as “Price Intel” which deciphers charger tariffs, “Map Intel” which analyzes the Dutch public network for the cheapest operators, and “Tap Insights” which provides personalized recommendations, transform scattered data into actionable guidance.
Tap Electric is simplifying the software behind charging infrastructure.By automating processes from the outset,the company has created a streamlined approach that keeps operations lean. “We give that advantage back to our customers by making our software free to use for managing chargers and providing the cheapest charge card in the Netherlands,” a senior official stated.
Beyond Individual Drivers: Grid Integration and Bi-Directional Charging
Tap Electric’s vision extends beyond simply improving the driver experience. The company recognizes the challenges of grid constraints and high energy prices and is actively working to mitigate these issues. By collaborating with networks and grid operators, Tap Electric aims to lower peak loads, enabling more chargers to operate efficiently without requiring costly infrastructure upgrades.
furthermore, Tap Electric is pioneering bi-directional charging, allowing energy to flow both to and from the grid. This transforms EV batteries into valuable grid assets, potentially lowering energy costs for drivers. “The more we help drivers monetise the versatility of a battery, the more we can definitely help lower energy costs,” the company CEO, Nico Spoelstra, shared following the TNW Conference win.
Future Integration and Expansion
Looking ahead, Tap Electric is setting its sights on deeper integration with energy infrastructure. The company is developing charge control algorithms designed to create a symbiotic relationship between vehicles, the grid, and energy markets.
“Insights into price and power are vital, but the real difference is made with our charge control algorithms that establish symbiosis between cars, the grid, and energy markets. You’ll see us make some big moves there in the coming months,” Spoelstra said.
If these initiatives prove successful,Tap Electric could fundamentally transform the EV charging experience,turning a current pain point into a genuine pleasure.
