EVSTAR CEO Speaks About Company’s Innovative EV Charging Reliability Solution

EVSTAR took the electric vehicle charging industry by storm with its announcement in August 2024, that it had partnered with Blink Charging Co. Blink is one of the largest, best-respected, and longest-established EV charging companies in America. Therefore, this was momentous news.

EVSTAR’s innovative offerings were the reason behind the partnership. The company touched on a raw nerve currently running through the industry, the significant problem of electric vehicle (EV) charging reliability. Reliability remains an important problem in 2024, and is one of the reasons EV adoption is slower in the US than it should be at the moment.

As a national renewable energy service and warranty administrator backed by a leading global insurance organization, EVSTAR brought decades of EV charging technology service warranty and repair expertise to Blink customers. The partnership agreement offers extended warranty coverage options. This boosts customer confidence, which in turn accelerates EV adoption.

Coverage includes occurrences of accidental damage, OEM connection issues, and power surges. For eligible claims, EVSTAR’s comprehensive extended warranty covers mechanical and electrical failures, normal wear and tear, and more. This allows customers to focus on expanding their EV charging networks without the ongoing hassle of managing repair logistics.

Public EV Charging Stations Experienced an 18% Failure Rate In the Fourth Quarter of 2023

New data from J.D. Power, as reported by Automotive News, showed that while charging reliability is improving slightly, it remains a significant problem in 2024. According to the latest J.D. Power surveys on charging satisfaction, public EV charging stations experienced an 18% failure rate for charging attempts in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The primary reasons for failed charging attempts were listed as station outages and malfunctions, which account for 71% of these failures. EVSTAR’s team has deep experience, along with tremendous insight into the industry, and therefore found an innovative solution to EV charging reliability.

EVSTAR and EV ChargePlus Announce Strategic Partnership

EVSTAR announced a strategic partnership with EV ChargePlus, a leader in premium turnkey electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. This partnership, announced on August 30, 2024, in Ashburn, VA, aims to enhance EV charging offerings by combining EV ChargePlus’s high-quality charging solutions with EVSTAR’s comprehensive warranty coverage. This integration provides customers with greater reliability and value, ensuring that they have access to top-tier charging solutions backed by robust service and warranty support.

EV ChargePlus distinguishes itself through its dedication to delivering premium quality, affordability, and comprehensive service. The company aims to simplify and enhance the EV charging experience by offering a complete range of products and services in one convenient location. Their state-of-the-art AC and DC smart-charging stations are crafted from top-tier materials sourced from leading industry suppliers and undergo rigorous testing to ensure reliability in all weather conditions. Additionally, EV ChargePlus offers customized software that provides unmatched control and visibility over every aspect of charging operations, further elevating the efficiency and effectiveness of their solutions.

Andrew Hoehner, CEO of EVSTAR, Interviewed by EVinfo.net

On August 30, 2024, Andrew Hoehner, CEO of EVSTAR, answered questions from EVinfo.net, in this interview:

Bill Pierce:

Please tell us a little about your background, why you founded EVSTAR and what got you into the EV industry.

Andrew Hoehner:

I have a diverse background in consumer electronics and the insurance industry. My previous roles in the insurance industry such as General Manager of Mobile Protection Solutions at AIG honed my skills in client relations and strategic planning.

I started EVSTAR because of my passion for sustainability and the transformative potential of electric vehicles. The rapid evolution of the EV sector presents exciting challenges and opportunities, and I want to contribute to this growing field.

My interest in the EV industry was sparked by an increasing awareness of environmental issues and the need for innovative solutions to reduce carbon footprints. The transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles is pivotal for a sustainable future, and I was eager to be part of this revolution.

Renewable energies have seen incredible growth over the last 10 years, but from a lifecycle perspective, I would say it is still a teenager. Now is the perfect time to introduce our capabilities to renewable energies to continue the evolution.

Bill Pierce:

Do you have any competitors in this space?

Andrew Hoehner:

Yes, we do have competitors in the EV charging solutions space. However, what sets us apart is our exclusive underwritten warranty, which is unique in the industry. Our warranty provides our clients with a higher level of assurance and reliability, distinguishing us from others and emphasizing our commitment to delivering exceptional support. We also look at the problem holistically ensuring the consumer is protected, but also the companies and financial institutions who take on significant risks as they invest in new technologies.

Bill Pierce:

What struggles have you faced getting EVSTAR off the ground and how have you overcome them?

Andrew Hoehner:

One of the major challenges was establishing a reliable service network and ensuring we could meet the growing demand for EV charging solutions. To overcome this, we invested in building strong relationships with service providers and developed contingency plans to handle any interruptions. Additionally, scaling our operations to keep pace with industry growth required significant investment in technology and talent, which we managed through intentional partnerships and careful financial planning.

Bill Pierce:

We imagine recognizing the need for more reliable EV charging was the reason EVSTAR was founded. Is that true? Can you tell us more?

Andrew Hoehner:

Yes, the need for reliable and efficient EV charging infrastructure was a key driver behind the founding of EVSTAR. We saw a substantial gap in the market for reliable underwritten warranties. Our mission is to ensure that companies have access to top-notch support, minimizing downtime and maximizing the usability of their charging stations. We have all personally dealt with down chargers and know how this impacts brand perception and creates frustration. If we expect, as an industry, to hit the forecasted growth objectives, we need to ensure charging stations are always in working order.

Bill Pierce:

Congrats on the Blink contract, that is really impressive. Do you expect other large EV charging companies to follow?

Andrew Hoehner:

Thank you! We’re excited about our partnership with Blink. We believe that as the demand for EV infrastructure continues to grow, large companies will continue to recognize the value of partnering with us. Our products and our tactical approach to partnerships make us a strong competitor for future collaborations with major players in the industry as they look to continue to expand, grow, impress their customers, and protect themselves financially against the unforeseen costs associated with the technology. I can’t share more right now, but we have already established additional strategic partnerships. You will be the first to know once I can go public.

Bill Pierce:

We saw you were General Manager, Mobile Protection Solutions at AIG, ending in 2016. How did that experience fit in with EVSTAR and how did that factor in AIG’s support of EVSTAR?

Andrew Hoehner:

My role at AIG involved managing customer-focused solutions, skills that directly translate to managing EVSTAR’s growth and client relationships. AIG’s support came through the skills and experience I gained there, as well as the professional network I built. This background has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of the EV industry and establishing EVSTAR as a reliable player in the market. Having AIG as a strategic partner in this venture is a huge asset to both us and our partners.

Bill Pierce:

Your website says swift turnaround times for device repairs. How quickly on average can you get a repair done?

Andrew Hoehner:

We pride ourselves on our quick turnaround times. We have a standard guarantee of a 72-hour on-site response once a claim is approved. In addition, a big value-prop for our platform is streamlining the claims process allowing us to quickly schedule and be on-site to repair the device with the necessary parts and certified servicers. All this adds up to the fastest turnaround available. A quick response is crucial for minimizing downtime and ensuring that our clients can continue to provide uninterrupted charging to EV drivers.

Bill Pierce:

We see you serve dealerships, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), charge point operators (CPOs), value-added resellers (VARs), and installers. Can you tell us more?

Andrew Hoehner:

Absolutely! We serve a diverse range of clients, each with distinctive needs that we address with customized solutions:

Dealerships: We offer a managed solution where we work directly with auto dealership customers purchasing new EVs. This includes assistance with installing, purchasing, and providing warranty protection for Level 2 chargers in their homes. This service enhances the dealership’s customer experience and supports the transition to EVs and typically puts a little extra money in the sales folks’ pockets as well.

OEMs: OEMs benefit from our comprehensive extended warranties, which provide additional coverage beyond the initial OEM warranty. This helps to mitigate risk and adds value to their products, offering peace of mind to both the manufacturers and their customers. Considering how dynamic the technology is, and the consolidation going on in the market, there will be winners and losers. An OEM warranty that is not underwritten is only as good as the company who backs it and not every OEM will succeed in having an underwritten backstop in place for OEM and extended warranties in place to protect the buyer, but just as importantly, it gives them a competitive advantage today. Our thesis is that as EV charging continues to evolve, both OEM and extended warranties will all be underwritten and we are well positioned with both OEM and extended warranty solutions.

VARs and Installers: We work closely with VARs and installers to offer our warranty services for DC fast chargers (DCFC) and Level 2 chargers. This partnership ensures that commercial and residential customers receive reliable support and protection for their charging infrastructure, helping VARs and installers provide a comprehensive service package. Our programs are also appealing to VAR’s and installers as they provide incremental, high-margin revenue.

Each of these client groups benefits from our specialized offerings, which are designed to support their specific operational needs and enhance their capabilities.

Bill Pierce:

We see you offer replacement units and parts. Have you had any supply chain challenges getting these delivered on time?

Andrew Hoehner:

While there have been occasional challenges, we have implemented proactive measures to address supply chain issues. By diversifying our suppliers and maintaining strong relationships with OEMs, we’ve been able to minimize disruptions. Our commitment to efficient logistics helps ensure that we can deliver replacement units and parts on time, upholding the high level of service our clients expect. In addition, we are flexible in our program design, some partners want us to leverage their own networks, or they may require their own parts while others are agnostic and leverage third-party services. We work with our partners to find the best solution to ensure success.

Bill Pierce:

What is in store for EVSTAR in the future, what does your planned growth look like?

Andrew Hoehner:

Looking ahead, EVSTAR plans to continue to expand our warranty offerings. We are also looking into expanding our geographical reach internationally. We are being tactical and opportunistic in this regard. We are listening to our customers and continuing to invest in new technologies to improve our repair process and evolve the norm. We are exploring additional partnerships to broaden our market presence. Our growth strategy includes scaling our operations to continue to meet the increasing demand for our services and continue to deliver on our mission.

EVSTAR, an Innovative Solution to EV Charging Reliability

EVSTAR was born in 2022. Hoevan LLC, the parent company of EVSTAR, Prosurety, and TechCycle Solutions, announced the successful completion of a $2.0 million Series A funding round. The round was led by Chris Topolewski of Wick Capital Partners. Hoevan LLC, which acquired TechCycle Solutions in 2021 and established EVSTAR in 2022, is focused on bringing established product protection strategies and specialized services to the renewable energy sector. This funding round supported the company’s growth and expansion in the renewable energy ecosystem, enhancing its product offerings and market reach.