How the Dutch startup Tap Electric is addressing the disarray in EV charging

      Driving an electric vehicle can be enjoyable, but charging often feels cumbersome. Public charging stations can be challenging to locate, prices can vary dramatically, and hidden fees can accumulate quickly. Incompatible systems and lengthy wait times only add to the annoyance, leaving drivers worried about where and how much they will pay to charge.

      A Dutch startup named Tap Electric has ambitious plans to address these issues. Established in 2020, the company has developed a platform aimed at making charging straightforward, accessible, and cost-effective. For drivers, the platform offers clearer options, more affordable choices, and tools for managing their charging sessions. For EV station owners, installers, and operators, it provides complimentary management software that streamlines operations.

      This strategy proved highly successful at the TNW Conference, where Tap Electric won the event's pitch battle, impressing a panel of investors, industry leaders, and media representatives with a strong vision for the future of EV charging. After winning the grand prize, Nico Spoelstra, the startup's co-founder and CEO, articulated his mission for the company:

      “If we want to accelerate adoption, we must make driving, renting, or owning an EV extremely affordable compared to other alternatives,” he stated.

      Finding cheaper charging solutions

      Tap assists drivers in three main ways. First, it helps them identify the most economical charging stations.

      Through the Tap app, users can find chargers, compare prices, and grasp their upfront costs. The app displays all public chargers with pricing directly on the map. Subscribers can see the lowest prices and opt to charge via the app or EV charge card across the startup’s network of public chargers.

      The system aims to simplify the process of locating the best deal. With various pricing models, differing network structures, and the rising trend of dynamic pricing, determining the cost of charging a vehicle is becoming increasingly complex. “In response, we analyze the driver’s charging habits to predict the price of their next charge on any charger, allowing them to compare the costs of different chargers,” Spoelstra explained.

      Spoelstra has personally experienced these benefits. “When I traveled to France last year, I didn’t plan my route; I selected the next fast charger as I left the previous one and just drove to it.”

      Optimizing each charging session

      The second aspect of Tap’s plan revolves around optimizing the charging process. By employing AI algorithms, the startup predicts the optimal times and locations for charging, ensuring drivers get more value for their money, with costs calculated in real-time during a session.

      The app features a set of tools that transform scattered data into practical guidance. Price Intel interprets a single charger’s tariffs, including idle fees and time-based pricing. Map Intel provides an overview, analyzing the entire Dutch public network to identify the cheapest and most expensive operators. Tap Insights allows drivers to review their past network usage, assess the impact on their charging costs, and receive recommendations for cheaper nearby alternatives.

      “We collaborate with Dutch public charging operators to enhance this further and implement it in public spaces,” Spoelstra said. “Assisting people without their own driveways in monetizing their car’s flexibility for cheaper charging is crucial for EV adoption.”

      The third focus is on simplifying the software behind charging. While many platforms have become overloaded and complicated, Tap automated processes from the outset, maintaining a streamlined approach that keeps operations efficient.

      “We return that advantage to our customers by providing our charger management software for free and offering the most affordable charge card in the Netherlands,” Spoelstra noted.

      Looking beyond the driver

      Spoelstra is optimistic about advancements in EV charging but acknowledges that challenges remain, primarily grid constraints and high energy prices.

      To alleviate these issues, Tap collaborates with networks and grid operators to reduce peak loads, allowing more chargers to operate on the same cables and decreasing the necessity for expensive infrastructure upgrades.

      The company also provides bi-directional charging, enabling energy to flow both to and from the grid, thereby turning car batteries into valuable assets for the grid. “The more we assist drivers in monetizing their battery's flexibility, the more we can help lower energy costs,” Spoelstra remarked.

      Looking to the future

      Spoelstra, encouraged by the swift deployment of hyper-fast charging stations from companies like Fastned and Tesla, positions Tap as an essential player in the landscape, directing drivers to the nearest fast charger that meets their needs.

      He is now focusing on another objective: deeper integration with energy infrastructure.

      “Insights into pricing and power are crucial, but the significant impact lies in our charge control algorithms that create a symbiotic relationship between cars, the grid, and energy markets. We anticipate making substantial progress in that area in the coming months.”

      If these initiatives succeed, charging an electric vehicle could transform from a hassle into a pleasure.