Since appearing on Shark Tank, SparkCharge has been making significant strides in the EV charging industry. With the increasing demand for electric vehicles and the growing concerns over charging infrastructure, SparkCharge’s Roadie charging solution has gained widespread popularity. The Roadie is a portable EV charger that can charge a car battery within 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for drivers on the go. The device is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store [1].
This article will delve deeper into SparkCharge’s journey after its appearance on Shark Tank, exploring how the investment deal impacted the company’s growth, the challenges it faced, and its plans for the future. We will examine the company’s latest developments, including their partnership with Allstate, and how they are disrupting the EV charging industry. Ultimately, this article will highlight how SparkCharge’s innovative solutions are making electric vehicle charging accessible and convenient for everyone.
What Is SparkСharge?
SparkCharge is a tech startup that has revolutionized the electric vehicle charging industry. Founded in 2017 by Josh Aviv, SparkCharge has created a portable and ultrafast charging solution called Roadie [2]. The company gained national recognition after appearing on Shark Tank in October 2019, where they secured a $1 million investment from Shark Tank’s Mr. Wonderful, Kevin O’Leary. The investment deal not only provided the necessary funding to scale the business but also gave the company a much-needed boost in public exposure.
The SparkCharge system consists of a small unit called the Spark Box, which is essentially a portable battery pack that can store up to 3kW of power. This is connected to a SparkPad, which acts as the primary interface between the user and the EV. The idea is that the SparkCharge system can be easily transported and deployed as needed, either by individual drivers or by third-party service providers such as roadside assistance companies or ride-sharing services.
It is clear that SparkCharge is an innovative and forward-thinking company that is making a significant impact in the EV charging space. With its portable and modular charging system, the company is helping to overcome some of the major roadblocks that have traditionally hindered the wider adoption of electric vehicles and is positioning itself as a major player in this exciting and rapidly-evolving industry.
About The Technology Behind SparkCharge
At the heart of SparkCharge’s technology is a modular and portable charging unit called the “Roadie”. The Roadie is essentially a compact, battery-powered charging system that can be transported easily in the trunk of a car or even carried by hand. It’s designed to be able to charge EVs quickly and conveniently, with a focus on providing an accessible and on-demand charging solution for EV drivers.
The Roadie charging system is comprised of several key components, including the battery packs, the inverter, and the user interface. The battery packs are the core of the system, providing the power needed to charge the EV. The inverter is responsible for converting the DC power from the battery packs to AC power that can be used to charge the EV. The user interface is a simple screen that displays information about the charging process and allows the driver to control the charging operation.
The Roadie system is made up of individual battery packs that can be easily swapped out, allowing drivers to add or remove packs as needed to increase or decrease the charging capacity. This means that the system can be customized for different types of EVs and charging needs, making it a versatile and flexible solution for EV drivers [4].
In addition to the Roadie charging system, SparkCharge has also developed a software platform that allows drivers to easily locate and connect with other drivers who have spare battery packs to share. This peer-to-peer sharing model helps to address some of the limitations and concerns around EV charging infrastructure, particularly in more rural or remote areas.
The Founders Of SparkСharge
Joshua Aviv, the CEO of SparkCharge, has a deep background in entrepreneurship and innovation. Before starting SparkCharge, he founded several other successful companies, including a mobile advertising platform called Spark Ads and a real estate development firm called Gyst House.
Chris Ellis, the CTO of SparkCharge, brings extensive experience in electrical engineering to the team. Prior to co-founding SparkCharge, Ellis worked as an electrical engineer at General Electric, where he developed his expertise in creating custom electrical solutions for complex systems.
Christopher LaFleur, the COO of SparkCharge, has a wealth of experience in project management and operations. He previously worked at General Electric and Bombardier Transportation, where he gained valuable experience in managing complex projects and leading cross-functional teams [5].
Together, Aviv, Ellis, and LaFleur have created a company that is truly innovative and forward-thinking, with a focus on solving some of the key challenges facing the EV industry. The trio’s combined expertise in entrepreneurship, electrical engineering, and project management has allowed them to create a product that is both practical and effective, with the potential to revolutionize the way that EVs are charged and maintained.
In terms of the company’s future plans, it seems that SparkCharge is already well on its way to achieving its goals of making EV charging more accessible and convenient. The founders have already secured significant investments and partnerships from major players in the automotive industry, and the company’s crowdfunding campaign has also been met with widespread support.
It’s clear that Joshua Aviv, Chris Ellis, and Christopher LaFleur are a talented and driven team, with the skills, experience, and vision needed to lead SparkCharge to even greater success in the years ahead. By creating a portable and modular charging system that can be used anywhere, they are truly shaping the future of the electric vehicle industry and helping to make sustainable transportation more accessible to drivers around the world.
The Pitch Of SparkСharge At Shark Tank
At the time of the pitch, the electric vehicle industry was still in its infancy, and one of the major roadblocks to widespread adoption was the lack of charging infrastructure. Many EV owners were still reliant on public charging stations, which could be inconvenient and time-consuming to use.
The SparkCharge team saw an opportunity to provide a more flexible and convenient solution for EV owners, and the Roadie was born. The team demonstrated the compact and portable design of the Roadie, which can be connected to any standard 110V outlet and deliver up to 2.4 kW of charging power. They also highlighted the benefits of their on-demand charging technician network, which allows users to request a charge on-demand technician through the SparkCharge app, and receive a Roadie unit to charge their EV wherever they may be [6].
SparkCharge secured a $1 million investment from Mark Cuban, who saw the potential for the company to disrupt the traditional EV charging infrastructure industry. The investment allowed SparkCharge to accelerate the development and production of its charging solutions, and expand its network of charging technicians.
SparkСharge After The Shark Tank
After securing the investment from sharks, SparkCharge went on to launch a crowdfunding campaign on SeedInvest, which raised $1.6 million. This additional funding has helped the company expand its product line, improve Roadie’s performance, and hire more staff [7].
SparkCharge has already received some significant recognition and support for its innovative approach to the EV charging problem. In 2018, the company won a $50,000 investment from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s accelerator program, and in 2019, it was selected as one of Start-Up Autobahn’s partners, a prestigious accelerator program backed by companies like Daimler AG, Porsche, and Bosch.
In terms of the company’s future plans, it seems that SparkCharge is already well on its way to achieving its goal of making EV charging more accessible and convenient. In addition to ongoing partnerships with various organizations and companies in the automotive and clean energy industries, the startup has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to help finance its growth and expansion efforts.
Today, SparkCharge has grown into a full-fledged company with a team of over 20 employees and a broad range of products, including the Roadie Pro and the Roadie Max.
SparkCharge On Social Media
On Twitter, SparkCharge regularly shares updates about the company, new product releases, and industry news. The company also uses Twitter to engage with its followers and respond to customer inquiries. By actively engaging with its audience, SparkCharge is able to build a strong following and establish itself as a thought leader in the EV charging space.
On Instagram, SparkCharge shares visually appealing photos and videos of its products, as well as images of EVs and related content. While Instagram may not be the most obvious marketing channel for a technical product like SparkCharge, the company’s use of high-quality visuals and engaging captions helps it attract a wider audience [8].
On LinkedIn, SparkCharge shares update about the company, employee milestones, industry news, and blog posts. By sharing valuable content on LinkedIn, SparkCharge is able to increase its visibility within the business community and position itself as a leader in the EV industry.
SparkCharge’s social media presence reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and customer engagement. By using social media to share relevant content and engage with its audience, SparkCharge is able to build a loyal following and establish a strong brand identity.
In addition to its presence on mainstream social media platforms, SparkCharge also engages with its community on Reddit and Facebook groups dedicated to EVs and clean energy. By participating in these online communities, SparkCharge is able to build relationships with EV enthusiasts and advocates, as well as gather feedback and insights that can inform its product development.
The Net Worth Of SparkСharge
It’s worth noting that a startup’s net worth can fluctuate significantly over time, especially in the early stages of growth and development. Factors such as revenue growth, funding rounds, and market conditions can all impact a company’s net worth, making it difficult to estimate or predict with any degree of certainty [9].
That being said, it’s clear that SparkCharge has been making impressive strides in the EV industry since its founding. Its portable charging system has already gained widespread acclaim and interest, and the company’s partnerships with major automakers and energy companies bode well for its future growth and success.
Here are some recent funding rounds for SparkCharge:
- In May 2022, SparkCharge raised $23 million in a Series A funding round;
- In November 2020, the company raised $2.5 million in seed funding;
These funding rounds have enabled SparkCharge to expand its product offerings and scale its on-demand EV charging services.
Ultimately, while we may not know the exact net worth of SparkCharge at this time, it’s clear that the company is on a promising trajectory, with a strong team of founders and advisors, an innovative product, and a mission to solve some of the key challenges facing the EV industry. We can expect to see continued growth and success for SparkCharge in the years ahead as it helps to shape the future of sustainable transportation.
Pros And Cons Of The SparkCharge Company
Pros:
- Provides a portable and flexible charging solution for electric vehicle owners through their Roadie charging unit;
- Offers an on-demand charging technician service for EV drivers who need a quick charge;
- Has formed partnerships with major players in the automotive and tech industries, including Samsung and BMW;
- Has secured significant funding rounds from investors, including a $23 million Series A funding round in 2022;
Cons:
- As a newer company, it may not have the same level of brand recognition or established reputation as more well-known EV charging companies;
- Some people may not be comfortable with the idea of having an on-demand charging technician come to their location, as it involves trusting a stranger with their vehicle;
- The Roadie may not be as convenient for everyday use as a fixed charging station, especially for people who have a dedicated EV parking spot at home;
Note that these are just potential pros and cons based on my understanding of the company’s operations, and may not necessarily reflect the actual pros and cons of SparkCharge as reported by industry experts or customers.
Alternatives To SparkСharge
There are several alternatives to SparkCharge in the electric vehicle charging industry. Some of these alternatives include:
- ChargePoint operates a network of electric vehicle charging stations, with both Level 2 and DC fast charging options available. They offer a range of products for both residential and commercial customers, including charging stations, software, and services;
- EVgo is one of the largest public electric vehicle charging networks in the United States, with over 800 fast-charging locations across the country. They offer a variety of charging plans and payment options, including pay-as-you-go and monthly subscription plans;
- Electrify America is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America that operates a network of electric vehicle charging stations. They offer both Level 2 and DC fast charging options and have a focus on high-powered charging infrastructure;
- Greenlots is a global provider of electric vehicle charging and energy management solutions. They offer a range of products for both commercial and residential customers, including charging stations, software, and services;
- Blink Charging operates a network of electric vehicle charging stations across the United States, with a focus on Level 2 and DC fast charging options. They offer both commercial and residential charging solutions, and have partnerships with several major automakers;
- Enel X is a global provider of advanced energy solutions and offers a portable EV charger that is compact, lightweight, and can be carried anywhere. It offers 3.6 kW of charging power and is compatible with all EV models;
- Noodoe offers a compact and portable EV charger that weighs only 11 lbs and can easily fit in the trunk of a car. It delivers 1.9 kW of charging power and is compatible with all EV models;
- JuiceBox offers a portable EV charging solution that can deliver up to 40 amps of charging power. It can be used with a variety of EV models and can be plugged into any 240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlets;
- Siemens offers a portable EV charging solution that can deliver up to 30 amps of charging power. It is compact and lightweight and can be carried in the trunk of a car. It is compatible with all EV models;
- EVSE LLC offers a portable charger that can be transported easily and is compatible with all EV models. It offers 3.3 kW of charging power and can be used with any 110-volt or 220-volt outlet;
- FreeWire specializes in mobile EV charging solutions and offers a variety of products, including the Boost Charger, which can deliver 120 miles of range in just 30 minutes;
- Webasto is a global provider of heating and cooling solutions for various industries, including the automotive sector. The company also offers a portable EV charging solution called Webasto Pure, which can deliver up to 22 kW of charging power;
FAQ:
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How old is Josh Aviv?
Josh Aviv was in his early thirties during his appearance on Shark Tank.
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Who is the CEO of SparkCharge?
The CEO of SparkCharge is still Josh Aviv.
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What happened to Spark EV?
The Chevrolet Spark EV was a fully electric version of the Chevrolet Spark subcompact car. Chevrolet discontinued production of the Spark EV in 2016.
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Who is the largest car charging company?
As of 2023, the largest car charging company was Tesla, which operates a network of electric vehicle charging stations under the name Tesla Supercharger.
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What is the biggest battery charging company in the United States?
Several companies operate in this space. Some of the leading companies in this industry include Tesla, ChargePoint, and EVgo.
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Which Shark Tank business failed?
Numerous businesses that have appeared on Shark Tank have failed, so it’s difficult to pinpoint one specific company as the “Shark Tank business that failed”. Some examples of Shark Tank businesses that have experienced difficulties include Grace and Lace, UroClub, and CitiKitty.
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What is the second most successful Shark Tank product?
It’s difficult to determine definitively which Shark Tank product is the second most successful, as success can be measured in many different ways (e.g., revenue, customer satisfaction, longevity, impact on the industry, etc.). However, some Shark Tank products that have achieved significant success include Scrub Daddy, Squatty Potty, and Bombas.
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Are Shark Tank deals real?
Yes, the deals made on Shark Tank are real, and the entrepreneurs who appear on the show are seeking actual investments from the Sharks.
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What deal did all 5 sharks go in on?
One example of this was the business Wicked Good Cupcakes, which received an investment of $75,000 from all five Sharks in Season 4 of the show [10].
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Who owns Shark Tank?
Shark Tank is produced by Mark Burnett, who owns the production company MGM Television. The show airs on ABC.
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Who made the most money on Shark Tank?
It is still unclear who had made the most money on Shark Tank, as the Sharks have made investments in a wide range of businesses and their returns can vary significantly depending on the success of those businesses.
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Who is the most successful Shark Tank investor?
Some of the Sharks who are often cited as particularly successful include Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, and Lori Greiner.
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Can I buy stock in SparkCharge?
SparkCharge is a privately held company, so it means you can’t for now.
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Who can benefit from SparkCharge’s products and services?
Electric vehicle owners who need a portable and flexible charging solution, or who are in remote areas without access to traditional charging infrastructure.
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How does SparkCharge’s Charge On Demand service work?
Users can request a charge-on-demand technician through the SparkCharge app, and a technician will deliver a Roadie unit to charge the user’s EV.
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How is SparkCharge funded?
The company has raised funding through investors such as Mark Cuban and through venture funding rounds, including a $7 million funding round in 2022.
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What partnerships has SparkCharge formed?
The company has partnered with major players in the automotive and tech industries, including Samsung and BMW, and has also worked with investors and accelerators such as Techstars and Shark Tank.
Useful Video: Shark Tank US | Spark Charge Wow Sharks With A Solution To A Modern Day Problem
References:
- https://sharktanktalks.com/sparkcharge-shark-tank-update/
- https://www.looper.com/1152629/whatever-happened-to-sparkcharge-after-shark-tank/
- https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2022/10/shark-tank-oregon-entrepreneurs
- https://2paragraphs.com/2021/01/spark-charge-what-happened-to-electric-car-charger-after-1-million-shark-tank-deal/
- https://www.sharktankblog.com/business/sparkcharge/
- https://sharktanktales.com/spark-charge-shark-tank-update/
- https://evcharging.enelx.com/ca/en/resources/blog/911-should-you-own-or-rent-an-ev-charger
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/SparkCharge-Reviews-E2551427.htm
- https://chargedevs.com/features/sparkcharge-launches-a-portable-and-scalable-dc-fast-charging-unit/
- https://cleantechnica.com/2022/10/05/sparkcharge-introduces-the-roadie-v3-a-larger-more-capable-portable-fast-charging-solution/