Blink Charging, an operator and provider of EV charging station products and networked EV charging services, and Hubject, a joint venture formed by leading companies in the automotive, energy and technology sectors that includes BMW Group, Daimler, Siemens, and the Volkswagen Group announced that they have formed a strategic partnership to provide EV drivers in the United States with expanded charging coverage and communication capabilities.
As a result of this partnership, Blink’s nationwide network of chargers will become accessible to all EV drivers participating in Hubject’s charging platform using their provider’s membership card and app. Furthermore, Blink’s base of approximately 135,000 members will now be able to quickly and easily access charging stations on Hubject participating networks while driving in the U.S., without having to register with any other charging companies.
The partnership’s mission is to provide seamless charging interoperability for all EV drivers participating in Hubject’s international multi-network intercharge platform, dramatically expanding where EVs can charge as well as facilitate essential two-way telemetric communication between EV’s, charging networks and car manufacturers.
“We are extremely pleased to announce our partnership with Hubject, globally-recognized as a leader in enabling EV charging interoperability. This partnership allows members of other networks on Hubject’s platform to charge their electric vehicles at Blink’s charging stations.” said Michael D. Farkas, Founder and CEO of Blink. “Additionally, we believe that partnerships like the one announced today, will serve to improve charging station infrastructure, enhance the EV driver user experience, further accelerate EV adoption and expand Blink’s market-leading position.”
The partnership between Blink and Hubject, which will become operational in early 2019, will provide new opportunities for Blink and auto dealers by providing enhanced access for Blink to car buyers at the point of sale. By reaching buyers at the time of their EV purchase, Blink can ensure a seamless and enhanced experience for drivers across the U.S., making EV ownership more convenient than ever before.
Working with OEM automobile-manufacturers in implementing the ISO 15118 communication protocol is envisioned to be the first step in implementing seamless communication between electric vehicles and charging networks without the need for any human interaction during the charging process. This telemetry between electric vehicles, charging networks and OEMs is also designed to allow the OEMs to incorporate critical EV data into future EV design as well as to layout the groundwork for enhanced EV ownership programs and develop transportation as a service business model.
“Our partnership with Blink presents an incredible opportunity to set the standard for open collaboration in our e-mobility industry,” said Paul Glenney, North American CEO of Hubject. “We exist to enhance the EV customer experience by streamlining EV charging for drivers. Our shared philosophy will help to get more Americans to drive electric vehicles.”
Hubject’s eRoaming platform, called intercharge, would allow Blink members to quickly and easily find, access and pay at all participating charging stations from various charging networks with one account, one card, one app and one bill.
