Akihabara News — Enechange, a Tokyo-based energy technology company, has announced a significant milestone in its efforts to bolster Japan’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The company has now installed over 5,000 destination charging ports across the nation for its “Enechange EV Charge” service.
Destination charging refers to the installation of charging stations at places where people spend time, like commercial centers, hotels, offices, and residential complexes, ensuring EV owners can charge their vehicles while they are away from home.
Yoshihisa Naito, executive officer at Enechange, credits this achievement to the cooperative efforts of installation contractors, property owners, and the EV community. “We are truly grateful for the support that has allowed us to reach this point… We remain committed to advancing EV charging infrastructure for environmental impact reduction and the realization of a carbon-neutral society, continuing our efforts to achieve a sustainable future.”
Enechange’s charging service, launched in November 2021, features Level 2 charging ports that can deliver 3kW or 6kW of power, suitable for overnight or extended charging sessions.
What makes Enechange’s service stand out is its business model, which includes options for zero installation and maintenance fees, making it an attractive choice for businesses looking to adopt EV charging facilities.
The Enechange EV Charge app has become the top-downloaded app for EV charging in Japan, providing users with the ability to check port availability, manage charging sessions, and handle payments effortlessly. The app also allows users to compare the cost of charging versus using gasoline, tailoring suggestions to the specific vehicle model registered by the user.
Moreover, Enechange offers flexibility in payment methods, not only through its app but also via charging cards from e-Mobility Power and various car manufacturers. They’ve introduced the “Enechange Passport,” a subscription plan at 2,980 yen (US$21) per month, tax included, which offers unlimited daytime charging at a fixed rate, providing economic advantages for those without home charging options.
Enechange’s focus extends beyond just providing charging infrastructure; it’s about leveraging digital technology for sustainable energy solutions, rooted in its origins from an energy data lab at the University of Cambridge.
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