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.
Loading...