The electric vehicle (EV) sector faces significant challenges, particularly with public charging infrastructure that often leaves drivers dissatisfied due to inefficiencies and data gaps. Germany-based ENAPI, a mobility startup, aims to address these issues with its centralized EV charging software platform. By enabling Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and eMobility Service Providers (eMSPs) to streamline transactions and exchange critical data, ENAPI seeks to make EV charging more reliable for drivers and scalable for businesses. A recent funding round has bolstered its efforts to expand its solutions both regionally and globally.
How does ENAPI aim to simplify EV charging?
ENAPI’s platform allows CPOs and eMSPs to efficiently share transaction data, enhancing transparency and reliability in charging infrastructure. This approach addresses one of the industry’s biggest hurdles: incomplete or inaccurate charging session information. According to a McKinsey report on EV charging sentiment, 70% of EV drivers have expressed dissatisfaction with public charging networks. ENAPI’s technology aims to rebuild trust in the system by providing clearer insights on charger performance and availability, ultimately making EV adoption more attractive.
Where will the new funding be directed?
The company recently raised €7.5M in a Seed funding round led by Voyager Ventures, with participation from Project A, Seedcamp, and Helloworld VC. This follows a €2.5M pre-seed round earlier in 2024, bringing ENAPI’s total funding to €10M. These funds will be utilized to enhance the platform’s capabilities, expand across Europe and the US, and hire additional technical staff. ENAPI co-founder Jakob Kleihues emphasized their goal:
“Our mission is to make EV charging transactions seamless, efficient, and accessible.”
Voyager Ventures highlighted the importance of ENAPI’s role in addressing industry fragmentation. Founding Partner Sierra Peterson stated:
“ENAPI’s infrastructure is revolutionizing how the EV charging industry collaborates, addressing fragmentation head-on.”
The investment reflects a shared belief in the scalability and impact of ENAPI’s technology.
Other attempts to streamline EV charging infrastructure in recent years have focused on hardware solutions or localized data-sharing systems. ENAPI differentiates itself by offering a software-first approach that emphasizes global standardization. While similar ventures have emerged in the US and Asia, ENAPI’s focus on Europe and its scalability to other regions set it apart from past initiatives.
The company’s strategy aligns with increasing efforts across the EV industry to reduce the barriers to widespread adoption. By focusing on both the driver experience and the operational efficiencies for charging businesses, ENAPI aims to fill a crucial gap that hardware solutions alone cannot address.
A more collaborative and data-driven EV charging infrastructure could significantly impact the pace of EV adoption worldwide. For businesses, streamlined communication of transaction data reduces logistical challenges and operational costs. For consumers, improved charger reliability and transparency could alleviate long-standing frustrations, making EVs a more practical choice for many. As ENAPI continues its expansion efforts, its progress will likely influence broader trends in the electrification of global mobility systems.
