Ben Schippers and Evette Ellis Ride the EV Sales Wave

The Expanding EV Ecosystem and Emerging Opportunities

The increasing adoption of EVs is generating significant demand for specialized services and innovative startups. These businesses are focused on addressing the evolving requirements of EV drivers, charging infrastructure operators, and related stakeholders.

At TC Sessions: Mobility 2021, Evette Ellis and Ben Schippers presented their companies’ strategies for leveraging the opportunities arising from the electric transportation shift.

ChargerHelp: On-Demand Repair for EV Charging Stations

Evette Ellis, co-founder and chief workforce officer of ChargerHelp, detailed her company’s approach to building a skilled workforce. ChargerHelp provides on-demand repair services for EV charging stations.

Her discussion covered the company’s hiring practices, the importance of partnerships with workforce development centers, and the economic benefits of cohort-based training programs.

TezLab: Innovations in Electric Vehicle Technology

Later in the session, Ben Schippers, founder of TezLab, shared insights into his company’s contributions to the EV sector. His presentation explored how TezLab is capitalizing on the advancements within electric transportation.

The presentations highlighted a growing trend: the EV revolution isn't just about vehicles; it's about building a comprehensive support system.

This system requires specialized expertise in areas like charging infrastructure maintenance and innovative technological solutions.

The Strategic Partnership with Workforce Development Centers

Workforce development centers represent a publicly supported network designed to facilitate connections between individuals seeking employment and potential employers, alongside offering training and career advancement opportunities.

Coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor, these centers – numbering in the thousands nationwide – provide services to a substantial portion of the American population.

Evette Ellis, alongside co-founder Kameale Terry, outlined the rationale behind their early decision to collaborate with these vital resources.

Connecting Talent with Opportunity

The core function of these centers is to bridge the gap between available jobs and qualified candidates.

They offer a range of services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and skills training, all aimed at enhancing employability.

This proactive approach to talent acquisition aligns directly with the company’s growth strategy.

Benefits of Collaboration

• Access to a Diverse Talent Pool: Workforce centers provide access to a wide range of job seekers, including those from underrepresented groups.
• Reduced Recruitment Costs: Utilizing these resources can significantly lower the expenses associated with traditional recruitment methods.
• Pre-Screened Candidates: Many centers offer pre-screening services, saving the company valuable time and effort.
• Community Engagement: Partnering with workforce development centers demonstrates a commitment to local economic development.

By engaging with these centers, the company is actively investing in the future of its workforce and the communities it serves.

This commitment to social responsibility is a key component of their overall business philosophy.

Cohort-Based Training at ChargerHelp

ChargerHelp employs a cohort-based approach to both training and recruitment. For instance, when 20 candidates are chosen for a training program, even if not all receive job offers afterward, the training itself is offered at no cost.

Furthermore, every participant who successfully finishes the program gains valuable certifications applicable throughout their professional lives.

A Focus on Fair Compensation

Evette highlighted the importance of a living wage, emphasizing that it should not be considered an act of charity.

• ChargerHelp! secures $2.75 million in funding to ensure the continued operation of EV chargers.

The complete interview transcript is available for review here.

Ben Schippers, CEO and founder of TezLab, also participated in Mobility 2021. He discussed how TezLab empowers electric vehicle drivers to optimize their charging and overall driving experience.

Schippers also explored the prospective evolution of Tesla’s API and the potential integration of other vehicle brands into the TezLab application.

Tesla’s API and the Potential for an App Store

Tesla vehicles provide both drivers and software creators with access to an API. This access enables the development of mobile applications that leverage Tesla user data.

Currently, however, Tesla lacks a dedicated app store or any other unified platform for distributing these applications.

Current API Capabilities

The existing Tesla API allows for a range of functionalities. Developers can access vehicle data, control certain vehicle features remotely, and integrate Tesla vehicles into other services.

This has led to the creation of numerous third-party applications offering features like enhanced trip planning, remote climate control, and detailed vehicle statistics.

The Absence of a Centralized App Store

Despite the vibrant ecosystem of third-party apps, Tesla has not yet implemented an official app store. This means users must typically sideload applications, a process that can be less user-friendly and potentially raise security concerns.

The lack of a centralized system also makes it difficult for developers to reach a wider audience and for Tesla to maintain quality control over the applications available to its users.

Potential Benefits of a Tesla App Store

An official Tesla app store could offer several advantages. It would streamline the app discovery and installation process for users.

Furthermore, it would provide Tesla with a mechanism to curate applications, ensuring they meet certain standards of quality and security. Developers would benefit from increased visibility and a more reliable distribution channel.

Future Prospects

The possibility of a Tesla app store remains a topic of speculation. Tesla has historically prioritized direct control over the user experience, which may explain the reluctance to open up to a fully open app ecosystem.

However, as the number of third-party applications continues to grow, the benefits of a centralized platform may become increasingly compelling. It is conceivable that Tesla will eventually introduce an app store or a similar system to manage and distribute applications for its vehicles.

Expanding Vehicle Compatibility on the TezLab Platform

Currently, TezLab’s functionality is limited to Tesla vehicles. However, the electric vehicle (EV) market extends significantly beyond Tesla, a reality that has been apparent since the introduction of models like the Nissan LEAF.

The Growing EV Landscape

The increasing number of EV manufacturers, including newcomers such as Rivian and established automotive companies like Ford, necessitates platform expansion.

These companies are actively releasing new EV models, creating a demand for broader compatibility with software platforms like TezLab.

Future Platform Development

To cater to this evolving market, TezLab is focused on incorporating support for a wider range of vehicle makes and models.

This expansion will ensure the platform remains relevant and valuable as the EV industry continues to diversify.

The goal is to provide a comprehensive solution for EV owners, regardless of their vehicle brand.

This includes integrating with vehicles from both new and traditional automotive manufacturers.

Tesla remains a key focus, but broadening compatibility is crucial for long-term growth.

The Potential for OEM Involvement in the App Ecosystem

• Introducing TezLab: A Performance and Data Analysis Tool for Tesla Vehicles

A complete record of the discussion can be found here.

The question of whether traditional automotive manufacturers, known as OEMs, will actively participate in developing applications for vehicles is currently being explored.

TezLab is presented as a compelling example of the possibilities, functioning as a sophisticated data analysis and performance monitoring system specifically designed for Tesla vehicles.

Understanding TezLab’s Functionality

This application effectively serves as a comprehensive diagnostic and performance tool, similar in concept to the popular fitness tracker, Fitbit, but tailored for electric vehicles.

It provides owners with detailed insights into their vehicle’s operation and performance characteristics.

Implications for the Automotive Industry

The emergence of platforms like TezLab raises important questions about the future role of OEMs in the software and application space.

Will they choose to develop their own competing applications, or will they collaborate with third-party developers?

The decision will likely shape the evolution of the in-vehicle experience for consumers.

Further discussion centers on the strategic considerations for OEMs as they navigate this evolving landscape.