New Mobile App Brings Crowdsourcing to EV Charging

Xatori, Inc., a software company based in Palo Alto, California, has created an online community and mobile app for electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts who want to share their electric outlets with one another.
The PlugShare app aims to create a community-driven electric vehicle (EV) charging network that allows iPhone and iPod touch owners in the United States to share their outlets. PlugShare users can choose to share 240v J1772 plugs (compatible with the latest generation of EVs, such as the Nissan LEAF and Chevy Volt) or standard 120v outlets. PlugShare also includes an up-to-date listing of public charging stations.
In addition to sharing electricity, PlugShare users can browse a listing of public charging stations; view profiles of other PlugShare members; call or text other PlugShare members; and get directions to shared outlets or charging stations.
Users can freely browse the map of PlugShare members and charging stations, but must create a PlugShare account to view address and profile information. Users do not need a special outlet or an electric vehicle to sign up.
By crowd-sourcing the EV charging infrastructure problem, PlugShare hopes to reduce "range anxiety" or the possibility of running out of power; a common concern associated with EV ownership. PlugShare also offers a direct communication channel for EV owners and enthusiasts interested in accelerating EV adoption and ushering in the new era of oil-free transportation.
"Many people won't have EVs right away, but everyone has an electrical outlet," said Forrest North, CEO. "Sharing electricity from a standard outlet only costs about $0.15 an hour, a small price to lessen our dependence on oil."
North was previously founder and CEO at Mission Motors and an engineer at Tesla Motors. CTO Armen Petrosian was previously an engineer at Amprius and on the Stanford Solar Car team. Advisors include Max Levchin (co-founder of PayPal and Slide) and Marc Tarpenning (co-founder of Tesla Motors). Xatori is based in Palo Alto, California.
Photo by Yutaka Tsutano/flickr/Creative Commons
Reprinted with permission from Sustainable Business