TL;DR
Tore Harritshøj (Co-Founder & CEO of Spirii) explains the three waves of e-mobility, from basic chargers to intelligent software enabling new revenue streams.
· Predicts rapid EV adoption growth in North America, driven by technology and shared infrastructure.
· Future EV charging will focus on smart, efficient networks supporting both private and commercial fleets.
In this EV Mini Series podcast hosted by Chris Sass and Niall Riddell (Paua), Tore Harritshøj (Co-Founder & CEO of Spirii) introduces the concept of the three waves of e-mobility. He provides a clear framework for understanding the global evolution of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The first wave featured basic hardware—simple, “dumb” chargers that only supplied electricity without any intelligence or advanced features. This phase is compared to the early mobile phones, which could only make calls.
The second wave represents a major shift with the introduction of intelligent software into charging infrastructure, similar to the leap from basic phones to smartphones. These smart chargers offer enhanced capabilities, improving user experience and operational efficiency. This wave is currently transforming e-mobility by making charging networks more efficient, reliable, and accessible.
Tore emphasises the crucial role of intelligent software, which enables new revenue streams such as grid balancing, carbon credit trading, and advanced demand management. He likens this to how smartphones opened new business models for the telecom industry. One exciting development is the use of EVs as massive mobile batteries that can interact with the power grid to balance supply and demand. This innovation could potentially lead to free EV charging for consumers while generating income for infrastructure owners.
The episode also explores regional differences in e-mobility adoption. Northern Europe, especially countries like Denmark and Norway, leads with high EV penetration and mature infrastructure. Meanwhile, North America is still developing its charging networks but is expected to catch up rapidly in the coming years due to technological progress and shifting consumer behaviours. Tore predicts the U.S. market will soon mirror Europe’s current adoption levels.
Another focus is the future of commercial vehicle charging. Tore and the hosts discuss how shared charging infrastructure and smart fleet management can boost efficiency and reduce costs for operators of buses, trucks, and other commercial EVs. Opening fleet chargers to public use during off-peak hours can generate additional revenue and support wider EV adoption.
Looking ahead, Tore envisions e-mobility becoming a dominant transportation technology worldwide within the next four to five years. He suggests adoption patterns follow similar curves globally but are staggered over time, with infrastructure advancements and new technologies fuelling rapid growth in emerging markets like the U.S.
In conclusion, the episode offers a comprehensive overview of the past, present, and future of EV charging. Tore’s insights highlight the importance of intelligent software, new business models, and collaborative infrastructure in shaping the next phase of e-mobility.
