SparkCharge Partners with AllState to Expand Mobile EV Charging Services

Recently, SparkCharge, a company specializing in mobile charging batteries, announced a collaborative agreement with AllState. This partnership is designed to broaden the company’s service offerings within the vehicle services sector, propelling them closer to their objective of establishing electric vehicle charging as a viable gig economy opportunity.

Development and Funding of the Roadie Charger

SparkCharge has successfully developed, designed, and is now actively commercializing a mobile vehicle charger. Currently, the company is finalizing a $5 million funding round, spearheaded by Mark Cuban, a prominent investor from Shark Tank, alongside other contributors. This funding will support the launch of their innovative mobile charging device, known as the Roadie.

The Roadie, a 120 kilowatt fast charger, can be dispatched on demand via a network of partners. This network now encompasses AllState and Spiffy, a Durham, North Carolina-based vehicle services startup.

On-Demand Charging Capabilities

Customers utilizing the Roadie can request between 50 and 100 miles of additional range. This capability is central to the extensive charging network envisioned by SparkCharge’s founder, Joshua Aviv.

“Users can specify their desired charge level, location, and range, and then pay for the service through a single application,” Aviv explained.

Initial Rollout and Service Areas

The initial agreement between AllState and SparkCharge focuses on four key cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. AllState has placed an order for approximately 20 portable chargers to facilitate this rollout.

The Gig Economy Potential

While leveraging partnerships with companies like Spiffy and AllState provides a route to market, SparkCharge’s CEO believes that independent contractors could also establish their own businesses offering on-demand charging services to EV owners.

The cost for on-demand charging is estimated at around 50 cents per mile, with a substantial charge achievable for as little as $10, according to Aviv.

A New Charging Network Paradigm

“We are essentially constructing an entirely new charging infrastructure,” Aviv stated. “This network isn’t intended as a temporary solution. It’s designed to be consistently available, superior in performance to conventional chargers… we bypass the need for permits and construction. Our unit is ready to use immediately – simply plug it into the vehicle, press a button, and charging begins. Every parking space becomes a potential charging station, offering a more robust network than existing systems.”

Individuals interested in providing charging services can acquire the necessary equipment for approximately $450 per month, including the battery and all required components to launch their own on-demand EV charging venture.

“This is a business model specifically created to empower individuals to serve electric vehicle owners,” Aviv added.

Origins and Addressing Infrastructure Gaps

SparkCharge, headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts, originated from Joshua Aviv’s personal experience with the limitations of the current electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

As highlighted by The Wall Street Journal, the scarcity of charging infrastructure represents a significant hurdle to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

A survey of 3,500 EV drivers, conducted by the advocacy group Plug In America in September and October of the previous year and cited by the Journal, revealed that over half of respondents encountered issues with public charging stations. These problems are particularly prevalent for drivers who do not own Tesla vehicles.

Tesla’s Infrastructure Advantage and Competitive Landscape

Despite any other considerations, Tesla’s focus on establishing a reasonably adequate charging infrastructure for its customers has yielded substantial benefits. Other automotive manufacturers, retailers, and independent charging service providers are only now beginning to catch up.

Numerous companies, including major oil corporations like Shell and automakers such as Volkswagen – who invested $2 billion in building an EV charging network as part of a settlement related to diesel emissions violations – have networks under development or already operational.

From Concept to Reality

Aviv, an electric vehicle owner since 2013 when he purchased a Chevrolet Volt, recognized the need for a better solution. He initiated work on the company in 2014 while still a student at Syracuse University. A professor and advisor at the university, with a background on the Environmental Protection Agency board, strongly advocated for electric vehicles.

Following graduation, Aviv continued to refine the business, developing a portable charging station and subsequently creating a platform for distribution, sales, and a network of service providers. This iterative process led to the formation of SparkCharge.

Early Support and Investment

In its early stages, the company received support from organizations like the Los Angeles Clean Technology Incubator and investors including Techstars Boston, Techstars, Steve Case’s Rise of the Rest fund and Revolution investment firm, PEAK6 Investments, the Buffalo, New York-based accelerator 46North, and Mark Cuban.

“I identified significant shortcomings in the existing charging infrastructure,” Aviv explained. “These include downtime for maintenance, the time required to expand the network, and the lack of consistent support for chargers.”

“There’s a strong drive to deploy these chargers,” he continued. “We want to avoid a situation where EV drivers are stranded in a city without reliable infrastructure. This creates a dynamic situation, and SparkCharge’s ability to deliver range on demand may persuade more consumers to adopt electric vehicles.”

Early Stage is the leading event for startup entrepreneurs and investors, offering practical guidance on building businesses, securing funding, and managing portfolios. Sessions cover fundraising, recruitment, sales, legal matters, PR, marketing, and brand building, with dedicated time for audience questions and discussion.