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The lack of charging infrastructure is a major barrier to entry for those looking to convert gas-powered vehicles to electric.<\/p>\n
This process is an essential component of fighting climate change, and luckily, it\u2019s becoming easier to do. As of July 2023, the U.S. installed more than 160,000 charging stations throughout the nation, many of which are located in urban centers. One company taking charge is FLO. Founded by Louis Tremblay, FLO is looking to build robust EV charging infrastructure that will create a reliable web for drivers to get to where they need to go.<\/p>\n
Tremblay took the time to talk to us at Found about his company and the process of building out such technology. \u201cWe\u2019ve not installed dots on the map as many have but we have deployed a reliable network, a network that you can always depend on, and that\u2019s what I\u2019m most proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Quebec-based company launched 15 years ago, and fundraising was much more difficult at the time because the EV market was undefined. Since then, however, the company has raised more than $334.4 million and become Canada\u2019s largest EV charging provider.<\/p>\n
Collaborations with stakeholders also proved important for the company. \u201cI learned that it\u2019s really important for our business to work with everyone,\u201d said Tremblay. \u201cAt some point, we need a price for the carbon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Right now, product adoption is top of mind for FLO \u2014 mostly because the company says it\u2019s focused on its climate-forward mission. It develops software and hardware products to ensure it can control the user experience from top to bottom.<\/p>\n
\u201cHardware is important because it\u2019s the infrastructure that lasts [and] software is to make a great experience,\u201d said Tremblay.<\/p>\n
FLO is also vertically integrated, so it\u2019s able to manufacture its own parts. It seeks to keep chargers up-to-date and has a suite of charging software that provides valuable data to \u2014 and about \u2014 drivers. For example, station owners can see a charger\u2019s diagnostics, incorporate flexible billing or get data reports.<\/p>\n
One of the first FLO customers in the U.S. was actually New York City. On Found, Tremblay talked about working with the city and matching the aesthetics of each different neighborhood. He also spoke about his leadership style and creating a competitive work culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really passionate about having a company that delivers revenue, that delivers profitability, that grows,\u201d said Tremblay, \u201cbut also how can we make an environment where it\u2019s fun to work, we perform together, we care for each other.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n