What are the best EV charging startups?

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The EV charging startup ecosystem has reached unprecedented growth levels, with over €470 million raised across funding rounds in 2024-2025. European companies dominate large-scale funding while North American startups focus on innovative software and mobile solutions, creating diverse opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.

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Summary

The global EV charging startup market has experienced explosive growth with over €470 million in funding during 2024-2025, led by European companies securing mega-rounds while North American startups innovate in mobile and software solutions. The market is projected to reach $113.4 billion by 2032 with a 20.3% CAGR, driven by technological breakthroughs in ultra-fast charging, AI-powered systems, and mobile charging solutions.

Company Location Funding Raised Key Technology/Focus Market Position
Electra France €304M Series B Ultra-fast 400kW urban charging with 800V support European leader
Milence Netherlands €111M EU Grant Megawatt Charging System for heavy-duty vehicles Commercial vehicle specialist
SparkCharge USA $30.5M Series A-1 Mobile DC fast chargers 80-300kW off-grid Mobile charging pioneer
ENAPI Germany €10M (18 months) Zero-fee charging platform connecting 350k+ points Platform integrator
ElectricPe India $3M Pre-Series A Super-app combining charging, sales, financing Emerging market leader
DeCharge Network India $2.5M Seed Community-powered charging infrastructure Distributed network model
Pando Electric USA Undisclosed AI-driven load distribution for multifamily properties Property management focus

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What are the most promising EV charging startups globally right now and where are they located?

Electra leads the European market after securing €304 million in Series B funding - the largest equity raise in European EV charging history.

Founded in 2021 and based in France, Electra specializes in ultra-fast charging stations delivering 400kW capacity with 800V support in urban environments. The company plans aggressive expansion from 1,000 current charge points to 15,000 by 2030 across Europe. Their strategic focus on premium urban locations with amenities like cafes and retail partnerships differentiates them from highway-focused competitors.

ENAPI from Germany demonstrates exceptional momentum with €10 million raised across two rounds in just 18 months, positioning them as Europe's leading charging connectivity platform. Their zero-fee platform connects over 350,000 charging points across Europe, creating compelling value propositions for both operators and drivers by eliminating traditional payment processing costs.

SparkCharge in the USA pioneered mobile charging solutions with $30.5 million in Series A-1 funding in May 2025. Their battery-powered DC fast chargers operate off-grid at 80-300kW capacity, offering unprecedented flexibility for fleet services while eliminating traditional permitting delays that plague fixed infrastructure deployments.

Milence represents a unique joint venture between Daimler Truck, TRATON, and Volvo Group, having secured €111 million through the EU's MILES project grant. Based in the Netherlands, they target heavy-duty vehicle charging with Megawatt Charging System technology capable of delivering up to 1.44MW, addressing the critical need for commercial vehicle electrification infrastructure.

Which EV charging startups received the most investment in 2024 and 2025 so far, and how much did they raise?

The EV charging startup ecosystem raised approximately €470+ million between 2024 and H1 2025, with several record-breaking funding rounds demonstrating unprecedented investor confidence.

Electra's €304 million Series B round stands as the largest equity raise in European EV charging history, far exceeding previous funding records in the sector. This massive funding round reflects investor confidence in ultra-fast charging solutions and urban market penetration strategies.

Milence secured €111 million through the EU's MILES project grant, representing the largest government-backed funding for heavy-duty charging infrastructure. This funding specifically targets Megawatt Charging System deployment across European highways, addressing commercial vehicle electrification needs.

SparkCharge raised $30.5 million in Series A-1 funding split between equity and debt financing, marking significant growth in mobile charging solutions. Their funding round included expansion into European markets and scaling their battery-powered charging fleet operations.

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Who are the key investors backing these EV charging startups and under what conditions are they investing?

Breakthrough Energy Ventures leads climate-focused investments with strategic stakes in WeaveGrid ($15M Series A) and ev.energy ($33M Series B), focusing specifically on grid integration and smart charging software solutions.

Corporate strategic investors dominate large funding rounds, with BP Ventures deploying over $27 million across IoTecha ($7M), BluSmart ($13M), and Service4Charger (€7.5M). Shell Ventures made multiple investments in XCharge totaling $75M+ across Series B and follow-on rounds, demonstrating sustained commitment to charging infrastructure development.

Deal sizes follow clear stage-based patterns, with early-stage rounds (Seed to Series A) typically ranging from $2 million to $20 million, while growth-stage financings (Series B-C) span $20 million to $75 million. Corporate investors typically write larger checks than traditional VCs, averaging $10M-50M per round compared to $5M-25M from venture funds.

European specialists Blue Earth Capital and Future Energy Ventures dominate through reev's €10M Series A and AMPECO's $26M Series B, while infrastructure specialists like Basalt Infrastructure Partners deployed $50M into EnviroSpark and Suma Capital invested €40M in MobilityPlus.

Investment conditions increasingly favor companies with proven technology, existing customer traction, and clear paths to profitability within 3-5 years, reflecting market maturation and investor selectivity.

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Are any major automotive, energy or tech giants supporting or partnering with these startups?

Milence represents the most significant automotive partnership as a joint venture between three major truck manufacturers: Daimler Truck, TRATON Group, and Volvo Group, demonstrating direct OEM investment in charging infrastructure for commercial vehicle segments.

ChargeEuropa has partnered with Polenergia, a Polish private energy group, to power charging stations with green energy while integrating digital out-of-home advertising revenue streams. Their EV chargers manufactured in Poznań feature high-quality components and premium materials designed for European market standards.

StarCharge unveiled AI-powered Smart Charging Network solutions at CES 2025, featuring liquid-cooled high-power charging solutions and scenario microgrids. Their Aries V2 charging dispenser delivers 600kW continuous power output per connector, setting new industry benchmarks for ultra-fast charging technology.

BYD's breakthrough charging technology with their 1,000-Volt Super e-Platform provides nearly 300 miles of driving range in 5 minutes, with plans to build over 4,000 ultra-fast chargers across China. This represents significant vertical integration between vehicle manufacturing and charging infrastructure deployment.

National Grid Partners co-led ev.energy's $33M Series B, demonstrating utility sector engagement in smart charging solutions that optimize grid stability and energy management.

Which EV charging startups have won notable awards or industry recognition recently?

NaaS Technology Inc. received the 2025 Sustainable Consumer Engagement Award from the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai, becoming the only EV charging service company honored in this category recognizing impactful, innovative models in green consumption and sustainability.

Transport + Energy Awards 2025 introduced a new "Charging site of the year" category specifically recognizing individual EV charging destinations open for public access. The awards focus on overall site details, ease of access, user experience, and impact on customer convenience, highlighting the growing importance of user-centric charging experiences.

The Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellence Awards (EVIEs) expanded to 29 categories in 2025, celebrating the entire spectrum of innovation from cutting-edge charging solutions to battery advancements. This expansion reflects the rapidly evolving technology landscape and increased industry recognition for charging innovation.

The E-Mobility Awards continue recognizing ingenuity, innovation, and achievement across the electromobility sector, with multiple charging startups receiving recognition for technological breakthroughs and market impact.

What unique technologies or R&D breakthroughs have these startups achieved as of 2025?

Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) represent a transformative leap for heavy-duty vehicles, with power ratings exceeding 1 MW that reduce charging times to under an hour for commercial vehicles.

A 1.5 MW charger can provide a 200kWh battery with 0-80% charge in less than 20 minutes, revolutionizing commercial vehicle operations and enabling electric long-haul trucking. This technology addresses the critical barrier of charging time for commercial fleet adoption.

Solid-state battery technology is finally emerging from labs, with companies like Stellantis and Factorial Energy achieving 375Wh/kg energy density cells that charge from 15% to 90% in just 18 minutes. Huawei filed patents for sulfide-based solid-state batteries targeting 3,000km range with 5-minute charging capabilities.

AI-powered smart charging systems analyze real-time data to predict energy demand, schedule off-peak charging cycles, and route vehicles to optimal stations. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology allows EVs to not only charge from the grid but also return stored energy back during peak demand periods, creating new revenue streams for vehicle owners.

Wireless EV charging technology eliminates the need for cables, allowing vehicles to charge simply by parking over electromagnetic induction pads. This technology is gaining traction in fleet depots and residential complexes, offering improved convenience and weather resistance.

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Which upcoming innovations in EV charging are expected from these startups in 2026?

Bidirectional charging capabilities are expected to become mainstream in 2026, allowing EVs to feed energy back to the grid and serve as mobile power sources for homes and businesses.

This technology will enable Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) applications, transforming electric vehicles into distributed energy storage systems. Battery price projections from Goldman Sachs suggest average costs could fall to approximately $80/kWh by 2026, representing almost a 50% drop from 2023 levels.

Interoperable charging platforms will create unified access across different charging networks, with initiatives like India's National EV Charging Platform (e-Amrit) serving as models for global adoption. Solar-powered charging hubs will integrate renewable energy sources directly into charging infrastructure, reducing carbon footprint and electricity costs through standalone solar canopies with battery storage.

Industry experts predict electric vehicles could reach price parity with petrol cars by 2026-2027, marking a crucial tipping point for mass adoption. The Open-Source Movement is expected to address stranded asset risks from manufacturer shutdowns, with regulatory bodies enforcing stricter requirements for software updates and interoperability.

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How much total investment has gone into the EV charging startup sector in 2024 and so far in 2025?

Global EV charging investment reached over $12 billion in 2024, representing 35% growth from 2023 levels, with venture capital accounting for approximately $3.2 billion across 180+ disclosed deals.

Average deal sizes increased 25% year-over-year, reflecting both market maturation and investor confidence in scaling charging infrastructure. H1 2025 funding exceeded $6.5 billion globally, maintaining strong momentum from 2024 performance levels.

Europe captured the largest share of global EV charging investment at $4.3 billion in 2024, driven by IONITY's €600 million infrastructure loan and multiple Series B rounds from companies like Electra and AMPECO. The region benefits from strong regulatory support through the European Green Deal and requirements for charging infrastructure along highways.

The EV charging startup ecosystem specifically raised approximately €470+ million between 2024 and H1 2025, with Electra's €304 million Series B representing the single largest equity raise in European charging history. This funding concentrated in ultra-fast charging technology, mobile solutions, and software platforms for charging network management.

What trends can we expect for funding and investment in this market in 2026?

Investment trends for 2026 will focus on proven revenue models and clear paths to profitability, as the market transitions from pure growth metrics to sustainable business fundamentals.

  • Corporate strategic investors will increase their market share, with automotive OEMs and energy companies deploying larger capital amounts than traditional venture capital firms
  • Government funding will shift toward commercial vehicle charging infrastructure, following the EU's MILES project model that provided €111 million to Milence
  • Software and platform companies will attract premium valuations, as investors recognize the recurring revenue potential and scalability advantages over hardware-focused charging companies
  • Mobile and flexible charging solutions will capture increased investor attention, driven by SparkCharge's success in addressing infrastructure deployment delays
  • Consolidation funding will emerge as larger players acquire smaller startups to build comprehensive charging ecosystems and eliminate competition
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Which regions or countries are attracting the most EV charging startup activity and why?

Europe leads globally in EV charging startup investment and activity, driven by comprehensive regulatory frameworks and government support through the European Green Deal.

Western European countries - Netherlands, Germany, France, and the UK - contained 64% of publicly accessible charging infrastructure in Europe by 2020, with continued government support through targeted funding programs. The region's success stems from coordinated policy implementation, standardized charging protocols, and mandatory charging infrastructure requirements along highways.

China dominates absolute numbers with 1,178,000 publicly accessible charging points as of December 2021, more than EMEA and Americas combined. The Chinese government incorporates EVs and charging infrastructure into national strategy programs with continuous support through 5-year investment plans and substantial manufacturing subsidies.

India is emerging as a significant growth market for charging startups, with companies like ElectricPe and DeCharge Network demonstrating innovative approaches to market penetration. The government has set ambitious targets for EV adoption and supports infrastructure development through various schemes targeting both urban and rural deployment.

North America benefits from federal support through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated over $7 billion for EV infrastructure investments, though less than $5 billion has been distributed to states through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.

Are there any standout traits, business models or differentiators among these top startups?

Community-powered charging models like DeCharge Network enable individuals and businesses to deploy, host, or invest in charging stations, creating distributed networks with transparent reward systems that reduce infrastructure deployment costs.

Hardware-agnostic software platforms like WrenEV integrate with over 200 charge-point models, offering SaaS-based solutions that enable smooth management and scaling of EV operations across multiple hardware vendors. This approach reduces vendor lock-in and provides flexibility for charging network operators.

Mobile Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) platforms like SparkCharge revolutionize fleet charging by delivering portable DC fast chargers directly to vehicles, eliminating infrastructure delays and permitting challenges. Digital Out-of-Home advertising integration, as demonstrated by ChargeEuropa, combines advertising revenue with charging services, creating additional revenue streams beyond electricity sales.

AI-driven predictive analytics enable more competitive positioning against traditional fueling stations by optimizing charging schedules, reducing operational costs, and improving customer experience through intelligent routing and availability predictions.

Zero transaction fee models like ENAPI's platform create compelling value propositions for both charge point operators and drivers by eliminating traditional payment processing costs and reducing complexity in multi-network charging experiences.

Which specific startups should an investor or entrepreneur monitor or engage with right now?

SparkCharge offers the most compelling immediate investment opportunity with mobile charging solutions addressing critical infrastructure gaps, proven Series A-1 funding success, and expansion into European markets.

Company Investment Rationale Market Opportunity Risk Factors
SparkCharge Proven mobile charging model, $30.5M funding, European expansion Fleet services, emergency charging, infrastructure gap solutions Battery technology costs, regulatory approvals
ENAPI Zero-fee platform, 350k+ charging points, rapid European growth Platform consolidation, interoperability solutions Competition from established networks
Pando Electric AI-driven load management, multifamily property focus Underserved residential/commercial segments Property manager adoption rates
ElectricPe Super-app model, $3M funding, 25k+ charger network Emerging markets integration, comprehensive EV services Market penetration speed, competition
Kwetta High-voltage power-grid hardware, heavy transport focus Commercial vehicle electrification demand Technology complexity, market timing
WrenEV Hardware-agnostic platform, 200+ charge-point models Industry consolidation, interoperability needs Integration challenges, scaling costs
Pleevi AI-powered optimization, €1M seed funding, 24-hour predictions Smart charging algorithms, efficiency improvements Algorithm accuracy, market adoption

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Conclusion

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Sources

  1. QuickMarketPitch - EV Infrastructure Funding
  2. AutoEVTimes - Future of EV Charging Infrastructure
  3. EVBoosters - Europe's Biggest EV Charging Financing Deals
  4. StartUs Insights - EV Charging Infrastructure Companies
  5. QuickMarketPitch - EV Infrastructure Investors
  6. Vestbee - ChargeEuropa Secures Funding
  7. StarCharge - CES 2025 EV Show
  8. Axios - BYD Charging Tesla
  9. NaaS Technology - 2025 Sustainable Consumer Engagement Award
  10. Transport and Energy - Awards 2025 Charging Site
  11. Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellence Awards
  12. E-Mobility Awards
  13. E-Motec - Evolution of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
  14. LinkedIn - Electric Revolution Accelerates
  15. CarNewsChina - Huawei's 3000km Solid State Battery Patent
  16. EV Mechanica - Top 10 Innovations in EV Charging Technology
  17. LinkPower Charging - 2025 EV Charging Technology
  18. Electric Car Scheme - Future of Electric Vehicles UK
  19. Pionix - Future of EV Charging Trends
  20. PTR Inc - Region-wise Deployment of EV Charging Infrastructure
  21. Inc42 - Investors Driving India EV Dreams
  22. Resources for the Future - Leveraging Investments in EV Charging
  23. SeedTable - Best Electric Vehicle Charging Startups
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