Grid Connections

• Rohan Puri of Stable on Making EV Charging Profitable with Smart Sites and Dynamic Pricing

  SummaryIf you care about the future of EV charging — whether you're deploying stations, investing in infrastructure, or just want a smoother road trip experience — this episode is a must-watch. Rohan Puri, CEO of Stable, breaks down why most charging sites underperform, how data-driven decisions can dramatically improve ROI, and what it takes to build a network that’s both profitable and user-friendly. From dynamic pricing strategies and rideshare trends to a vision of vehicles bidding for the best charge, this conversation reveals what’s really shaping the next wave of EV infrastructure. Don’t miss it — the insights here could change how you think about the entire charging ecosystem.⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections ConsultingTakeawaysSmart pricing = higher margins Most charging networks update prices quarterly (or less). But by adjusting rates weekly based on demand, Stable clients have seen double-digit margin improvements — proving that dynamic pricing is a powerful, underused lever in EV charging profitability.Competition can boost utilization Contrary to industry assumptions, Rohan shares how placing EV chargers near competitors often increases usage for both networks — echoing the “dealership effect” where clustering drives more foot traffic and customer trust.Rideshare drivers reveal hidden patterns While often overlooked, rideshare EV drivers show distinct usage and price sensitivity behaviors, offering an early signal for identifying high-demand locations — especially near airports and city hubs.Regional investment is replacing national coverage As public incentives slow, private capital is flowing into regional fast-charging strategies, with most networks now adopting a “portfolio approach” that mixes high, medium, and low-utilization sites to manage risk.Software is the new differentiator With hardware becoming increasingly commoditized, CPOs that embrace software optimization — from adaptive pricing to demand forecasting — will be the ones who thrive in the post-subsidy EV charging economy.Charging reliability is improving — but slowly Stable doesn’t directly fix charger uptime, but its software helps operators detect underperformance through pricing and usage anomalies, giving networks a new tool for monitoring site health without extra hardware.Support or Connect with Grid ConnectionsLooking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card. Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?Website   |   YouTube   |   Twitter   |   Instagram   |   FacebookNEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

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  47:14
• Charging 2.0: How Data, Reliability, and Retail Giants Are Reshaping the EV Charging Experience with Loren McDonald & Bill Ferro of Paren

  SummaryIf you want to understand where EV charging is really headed—and why the next wave of growth will be driven by data, reliability, and retail giants like Walmart—this is the episode you can’t afford to miss. Loren McDonald and Bill Ferro of Paren break down what they call “Charging 2.0”—a pivotal shift where charging infrastructure is no longer just about land grabs and incentives, but about real business models, driver experience, and uptime. From soaring urban utilization rates and rideshare demand to the J3400 transition and NEVI’s uncertain future, we explore the most important trends shaping EV infrastructure today. Whether you're in policy, fleet management, CPO operations, or just curious about the future of clean transportation, this episode is packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections ConsultingTakeawaysEV Charging Hubs Are Evolving Fast The average number of ports per station is increasing, with leading networks now deploying 6+ stalls per location—crucial for reducing wait times, improving reliability, and meeting rising demand from rideshare and urban EV drivers.Retailers Like Walmart Are Quietly Filling NEVI Gaps As federal NEVI funding stalls, retailers with national footprints are stepping in to build reliable charging in underserved rural and mid-market areas, helping normalize EV adoption where it's needed most.Data Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for CPOs With real-time uptime metrics, predictive reliability algorithms, and utilization tracking, data-rich platforms like Paren are helping networks and fleets optimize site performance and drive revenue.Poor Charger Visibility Is Still a Barrier to EV Adoption From disconnected payment apps to broken card readers and limited cell service, poor UX continues to turn away would-be EV drivers—underscoring the need for software-led reliability improvements.Rideshare Drivers Now Account for Up to 25% of Charging Throughput This power-user segment is reshaping charging patterns, creating peak congestion in urban areas—and surfacing opportunities for dedicated infrastructure and off-peak pricing strategies.EV Route Planning Is Moving Beyond GPS Paren’s work on intelligent routing companions includes not just charger availability but real-time assessments of safety, amenities, and charger functionality—ushering in a more personalized driver experience.Tesla's OS Opening to Third-Party Chargers Could Reshape the Game As Tesla begins surfacing highly-rated non-Tesla stations in its navigation, third-party CPOs have a new incentive—and pressure—to meet stricter performance and reliability standards.Links from Today's EpisodeParen Website & Q1 Report 🔍 Access Paren’s data insights and download the Q1 EV Charging Report: https://www.paren.app/reportsU.S. NEVI Program (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) 🛣️ Learn more about NEVI and its funding roadmap (Federal Highway Administration): https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/nevi/Cool the Earth / UC Berkeley Charger Reliability Study 📊 Landmark field study that helped define the true uptime of public chargers: https://www.cooltheearth.org/ev-charging-studyChargeX Consortium 🤝 Industry collaboration on improving EV charging quality and data transparency: https://chargex.consortium.io/ (or [insert actual ChargeX site])J3400 / NACS Charging Standard 📘 Learn about the emerging North American Charging Standard: https://www.sae.org/news/press-room/2023/12/sae-publishes-nacs-as-j3400Revel Charging Hubs (San Francisco and Beyond) 🚖 EV charging hubs designed specifically for rideshare support: https://gorevel.com/chargingSupport or Connect with Grid ConnectionsLooking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card. Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?Website   |   YouTube   |   Twitter   |   Instagram   |   FacebookNEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

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  1:17:21
• Optimizing EV Charging for a Smarter Grid: How WeaveGrid Connects Drivers, Utilities, and Clean Energy with Kendall Cody

  SummaryIf you're curious about how electric vehicles can play a bigger role in stabilizing our power grid—and how drivers can actually get paid to charge smarter—this episode of Grid Connections is a must-listen. We sit down with Kendall Cody, Director of Marketing and Communications at WeaveGrid, to explore how their intelligent software is helping utilities and EV drivers work together to unlock cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable charging. From behind-the-scenes insights on utility partnerships to real-world examples of managed charging programs across California, Colorado, and Maryland, this episode offers a front-row seat to the future of grid-integrated EVs. Whether you're a utility professional, EV owner, policy advocate, or just passionate about clean energy innovation, you’ll leave this conversation with a clearer view of how software, data, and smart infrastructure are reshaping the electric mobility landscape.⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections ConsultingTakeaways1. Why utility-backed EV incentives are more than just rebates Kendall explains how WeaveGrid’s programs go beyond one-time perks, offering ongoing savings and rewards for EV owners who charge at optimal times.2. The growing role of telematics in managed EV charging Discover how direct API partnerships with automakers allow WeaveGrid to deliver seamless charging optimization—without compromising user privacy or vehicle control.3. How AI detects EV ownership using smart meter data WeaveGrid’s machine learning models can identify EVs at residential addresses just by analyzing electricity usage spikes—enabling smarter outreach and program design.4. The equity challenge: Making EV programs accessible to all Utilities are focused on ensuring managed charging doesn’t just benefit luxury EV owners. Learn how WeaveGrid helps broaden access across income levels and housing types.5. Why multifamily housing is the next frontier in EV charging WeaveGrid is launching new utility pilots to address the unique constraints of shared charging infrastructure in apartments and condos—unlocking untapped adoption potential.6. How vehicle-to-home (V2H) may outpace vehicle-to-grid (V2G) Kendall shares why using your EV to power your home during peak grid times may be more achievable (and practical) than sending energy back to the grid—at least for now.7. What "invisible EV charging" could look like in the future The future of managed charging may not involve apps or dashboards at all. WeaveGrid envisions fully integrated experiences directly inside automaker and utility apps—no extra logins, no new accounts, just clean charging in the background.Support or Connect with Grid ConnectionsLooking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card. Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?Website   |   YouTube   |   Twitter   |   Instagram   |   FacebookNEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

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  50:48
• Unlocking EV Charging for Apartments: Pando Electric’s Scalable, Low-Cost Multifamily Solution with Joseph Nagle

  SummaryIf you're curious about the future of EV charging, grid resilience, and how we’ll power a more electrified world, this episode of the Grid Connections podcast is a must-listen. Joseph Nagle, Head of Corporate Strategy at Pando Electric, joins us to break down why simple, cost-effective outlet-based charging is the key to scaling EV adoption in multifamily housing. We explore how vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid tech can turn parked EVs into energy assets, how smart energy management systems are reshaping entire buildings, and why “tap and charge” could finally make EV fueling more convenient than gas. Whether you're a property owner, policymaker, clean tech investor, or just EV curious—this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections ConsultingTakeawaysOutlet-based charging slashes installation costs by up to 70% – Pando’s daisy-chained EV outlets eliminate the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades, making it far easier and cheaper for multifamily properties to support EV drivers.Vehicle-to-home (V2H) will likely scale before vehicle-to-grid (V2G) – While V2G faces regulatory and infrastructure hurdles, V2H is already technically feasible and offers immediate value to homeowners and multifamily residents looking to reduce peak energy costs.Multifamily buildings are emerging as next-gen microgrids – Property owners can install rooftop solar and garage-based batteries to arbitrage electricity pricing and improve energy resilience, turning buildings into revenue-generating assets.Smart energy management can eliminate demand charges – By strategically charging vehicles during off-peak hours and integrating building-wide energy intelligence, property owners can avoid costly utility demand fees.“Tap and charge” solves critical user experience failures – Pando’s new NFC-based system replaces unreliable QR code-based charging with a seamless tap-to-start experience, even in low-connectivity environments like underground garages.Installing chargers increases EV ownership at a property – In one real-world example, Pando saw new EV purchases jump within just three months of completing a multifamily install, proving infrastructure drives adoption.Scalability is key to future-proofing charging deployments – Pando’s approach makes it easy to start small and expand affordably, helping property managers prepare for growing EV adoption without major redesigns or reinvestment.Support or Connect with Grid ConnectionsLooking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card. Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?Website   |   YouTube   |   Twitter   |   Instagram   |   FacebookNEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

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  1:00:35
• Solving EV Charging Deserts with Brian Boshes: How Ranger EV is Powering Vacation Rentals with Easy, Reliable Home Charging

  SummaryWe sit down with Brian Boshes, Head of Operations at Ranger EV, to explore how vacation rentals and hospitality providers can become part of the EV charging solution. Brian breaks down Ranger EV’s innovative approach to turning everyday outlets into trusted, bookable charging stations—starting with Oregon coast destinations like Manzanita. We dig into real-world challenges EV drivers face when traveling to remote areas, how Ranger EV’s “honor system” and plug-based models are lowering the barrier to entry for hosts, and why reliable home base charging is essential for stress-free road trips. Whether you own a vacation rental, manage a hotel, or are just tired of broken apps and unreliable public chargers, this conversation is packed with insight on how small changes can make a big impact for EV travelers.⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections ConsultingTakeaways🔋 1. Ranger EV Makes Any Plug a Charging Station From standard 120V outlets to full Level 2 EVSEs, Ranger EV’s flexible model empowers hosts to start offering EV charging with whatever infrastructure they already have.🏡 2. EV Charging as a Must-Have Vacation Amenity As EV adoption grows, guests are beginning to expect charging at vacation rentals just like they expect Wi-Fi or a coffee maker—making it a key differentiator for short-term rental hosts.📱 3. No App Required: Frictionless Guest Checkout Ranger EV’s web-based interface and guest checkout options allow travelers to pay for charging without downloading an app or creating an account—removing a major barrier to use.💸 4. Honor System Charging Builds Trust and Flexibility Their guest-initiated "honor system" approach makes it easy for homeowners to offer charging even without smart chargers, while still being fairly reimbursed for the energy used.🌲 5. Starting in Oregon's Charging Deserts With high EV adoption and remote tourist destinations, Oregon’s coastlines are the ideal proving ground for Ranger EV’s model—starting with real-world pilots in Manzanita.⚡ 6. Ranger EV is Hardware-Agnostic and Scalable Unlike traditional charging networks, Ranger EV isn’t tied to a specific charger type, enabling quick deployment across diverse properties, including those with limited electrical capacity.🏨 7. Hotels and RV Parks Could Be the Next Frontier While currently focused on vacation rentals, Ranger EV is exploring partnerships with boutique hotels and campgrounds to expand EV access in underserved rural travel hubs.Support or Connect with Grid ConnectionsLooking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card. Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?Website   |   YouTube   |   Twitter   |   Instagram   |   FacebookNEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

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