Volta offers free electric car charging, supported by advertising

While electric cars are slowly becoming more and more common in the US, easily accessible charging stations are taking even longer to catch up. While manufacturers like Tesla are working to build more stations across the country, Honolulu-based Volta is looking to make a contribution as well. The startup offers to build charging stations that are free to use for drivers, and are supported with advertising. They already have over 100 stations set up in five different cities, and have plans to increase that to 400.

Volta's charging spots are available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and Honolulu, and they were recently funded with $7.5 million to make their expansion possible. The company sets up chargers at places like upmarket malls and grocery stores — you know, where people with electric cars often like to shop. Drivers can fill up their rides for free, while advertisers pay to take advantage of the mini-billboard style structure.

Retailers don't have to pay Volta anything to set up a station, and they are enticed to modify their parking arrangement with the potential of attracting more customers, who will in turn shop longer while their car charges. Volta makes money regardless of how many people use the chargers, as advertisers have to pay to occupy the billboard.

This is interesting, as there are no requirements for drivers to refill; they don't have to stand in front of an ad for a certain period of time, or make any other kind of concession. Hopefully the chargers will be successful and Volta can keep expanding without advertisers feeling like they're getting the short end of the stick.

SOURCE Volta

VIA The Next Web