The Public Service Commission of Maryland convened the fourth Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Work Group meeting on September 22, 2024, to discuss various business models and strategies in the electric vehicle charging sector. The meeting featured representatives from several prominent companies in the industry, each outlining their unique approaches to EV charging infrastructure.

The session began with a presentation from a representative of an international EV charging company, who detailed their flexible business models. These include owning and operating charging stations, direct sales, and hybrid models where costs are shared between the company and property site hosts. They also introduced a new maintenance program aimed at ensuring regular checks and servicing of charging equipment.

Caitlin Lee from EVgo followed, emphasizing their position as one of the largest public fast charging networks in the U.S. She highlighted their owner-operator model, which involves developing, financing, and maintaining their charging stations. Lee noted the importance of network reliability for revenue generation and customer satisfaction, mentioning their comprehensive maintenance program, EVgo Renew, which enhances station reliability.

Josh from SWTCH presented a different perspective, focusing on providing software solutions rather than operating charging stations. SWTCH targets multi-tenant properties, offering a software platform that can be paired with hardware from other manufacturers. He mentioned their optional maintenance service, Switch Care, which guarantees certain response times and uptime.

Anthony Willingham from Electrify America reiterated the owner-operator model, explaining their responsibility for the operation and maintenance of their charging stations. He also discussed their partnerships with public entities, where they manage stations owned by utilities or state programs.

Michael Krauthammer from the Alliance for Transportation Electrification emphasized the need for more EV infrastructure and the importance of open standards and interoperability among stakeholders. He noted the diverse membership of the Alliance, which includes utilities, manufacturers, and charging networks.

Finally, a representative from ChargePoint discussed their role as an equipment manufacturer and network operator, highlighting the variety of business models in the EVSE industry. They cater to various customers, including retail and multifamily properties, and provide installation and maintenance services as needed.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for collaboration among different stakeholders to enhance EV infrastructure and improve the overall charging experience for users. The discussions underscored the evolving landscape of EV charging, with various business models adapting to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure.