Munich-based electric vehicle (EV) charging technology firm HeyCharge has been awarded a significant €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. The funding is earmarked for the company’s SecureCharge FLEX project, aimed at overcoming key obstacles in deploying EV charging infrastructure within residential buildings.
Addressing Barriers in Residential EV Charging
The SecureCharge FLEX project directly tackles two primary challenges hindering the widespread adoption of conventional EV chargers in multi-unit residential buildings: unreliable internet connectivity and high installation expenses. These issues are particularly acute in areas like underground parking garages.
Chris Cardé, founder and CEO of HeyCharge, highlighted the critical need for a solution. “Nearly half of Europe’s population lives in apartment buildings, and most of them park underground—exactly where internet-dependent chargers fail,” Cardé stated. He further explained the advantage of HeyCharge’s technology: “Our technology works 100% reliably even in underground garages, and because we’ve eliminated the need for communications infrastructure—the cabling, the specialist labor, the ongoing maintenance—we cut installation costs by more than 40%.”
SecureCharge FLEX: Offline Authentication and Cost Reduction
At the core of HeyCharge’s innovation is the SecureCharge platform, which operates entirely offline. The system utilizes patented one-time cryptographic tokens, generated via a user’s smartphone, to ensure secure authentication for charging sessions.
This offline capability not only enhances reliability, especially in environments with poor or no internet signal, but also significantly reduces the complexity and cost associated with traditional charger installations. By circumventing the need for extensive communication cabling and specialized labor, HeyCharge offers a more accessible and affordable EV charging solution for residents of apartment buildings.
Proven Track Record and Future Expansion
HeyCharge has already demonstrated the efficacy of its technology, with deployments spanning over 130 sites and accommodating more than 2,500 parking spaces in Germany. The company has further solidified its market position through strategic partnerships with major real estate operators, making an additional 123,000 parking spaces accessible with its solutions.
To facilitate broader adoption across Europe, HeyCharge is introducing a partnership model. This initiative is designed to empower charging operators and installers throughout the continent to deliver and implement HeyCharge’s innovative technology.
To date, HeyCharge has successfully raised €6.3 million in private funding, underscoring investor confidence in its vision and technology. The company is backed by prominent investors including BMW i Ventures, Statkraft Ventures, and Y Combinator.
EIC Grant to Accelerate Development and Market Entry
The €2.5 million EIC Accelerator grant is a crucial catalyst for the next phase of HeyCharge’s development, supporting a 24-month project. This funding will advance the SecureCharge FLEX technology from its current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 to TRL 8, a significant step towards full commercialization.
Key Project Milestones Include:
- Development and validation of advanced energy management features, such as dynamic load management, demand response, dynamic tariffs, and bidirectional (V2G) charging capabilities.
- Comprehensive integration and interoperability testing with various partner platforms and third-party hardware systems.
- Execution of large-scale pilot deployments across multiple European countries to assess performance in diverse building types and under varied grid conditions.
- Preparation for multi-country certification and adherence to regulatory compliance standards for a seamless EU-wide commercial rollout.
- Facilitation of installer and operator onboarding across Europe through an established franchise model.
Democratizing EV Charging Across Europe
Dr. Robert Lasowski, co-founder and CBDO of HeyCharge, expressed enthusiasm for the grant’s implications. “The EIC Accelerator is not just funding—it’s a signal from Europe’s most rigorous innovation programme that our approach to democratising EV charging is ready to scale,” Dr. Lasowski commented.
He reiterated the company’s core value proposition: “We’ve proven that eliminating communications infrastructure makes charging both more reliable and more affordable. Now we’re taking that from proven deployments to mass-market adoption across the continent.”
The EIC Accelerator’s support signifies a strong endorsement of HeyCharge’s strategy to make EV charging more accessible and reliable, particularly for apartment dwellers, a demographic crucial for achieving widespread EV adoption in Europe. The grant will enable the company to refine its technology, expand its network, and prepare for a robust European market launch.