The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) sector in Belgium is one of the key pillars of Pluginvest‘s success, according to its CEO, Sander Hereijgers.
With nearly 40% of new zero-emission cars registered, the Belgian market showcases a steady evolution within the eMobility field.
“Although there is sometimes negativity in the press towards our industry, progress in the country continues,” Hereijgers explains to Mobility Portal Europe.
He highlights that the company is “advancing in line with the market.”
The firm’s most significant achievement in 2024 is undoubtedly reaching 10,000 charging points sold, installed, and maintained.
This milestone reflects the evolution of an organisation that started “very small almost eight years ago.”
For Hereijgers, this success is a major achievement for the entire team, highlighting the diversity of installed stations, ranging from home chargers to fast-charging infrastructure.
Surpassing 10,000 points not only positions Pluginvest as an eMobility sector leader in Belgium but also presents new challenges and goals.
In this regard, Hereijgers anticipates: “Doubling this figure is a realistic goal for next year.”
The installed infrastructure includes a diverse range of charging stations, reflecting the company’s solutions’ diversity and adaptability, from small home systems to fast-charging equipment.
And that’s not all.
Throughout its journey, Pluginvest has not only grown in volume but also in the sophistication of its offering.
The recent launch of the Easily Charged app stands out as a second key factor in its strategy.
This cloud-based home energy management system enables users to optimise their energy costs through algorithms that integrate variables such as solar production.
“Users simply need to specify when they want their EV ready, and the app’s algorithm automatically optimises the energy cost,” explains Hereijgers.
This innovation not only improves driving economy but also enhances convenience, making the system a comprehensive solution for EV owners.
Pluginvest’s strategy with Easily Charged has been particularly cautious, prioritising service quality and user experience over initial reach.
The platform, initially offered to existing customers, has seen a high level of acceptance.
“Almost everyone who received the email announcing the app, which is also free, is downloading it,” Hereijgers reports.
He adds that this initial phase allowed them to test and refine the system before launching it to the general public.
In the short term, the company plans to extend access to the platform to all existing and new customers before the end of the year.
This is part of its ongoing innovation strategy, which aims to add functionalities that maximise value for users.
“We are working hard with our partners to develop new features, optimisation algorithms, and collaborations with compatible energy providers,” the CEO mentions.
What are their long-term goals?
Pluginvest’s future plans are not limited to increasing the number of “refuelling” points.
Its vision includes expanding the features of Easily Charged, consolidating its role as a leader in technological integration for energy management for electric vehicles.
The app represents an entry point for adding additional services, such as new intelligences and strategic collaborations with energy providers.
“This is an area where we see enormous development potential, both to optimise the user experience and to strengthen our market position,” assures the CEO.
What is Pluginvest’s track record?
Since its foundation in 2016, the company has been a benchmark in the transition to sustainable mobility, offering EV charging solutions and associated services.
The Belgian company has established key partnerships with major players such as Colruyt Group, Bpost, VanBreda, Van Wellen, and Kia Belux.
Headquartered in Antwerp, it has begun expanding into France and Luxembourg, providing comprehensive B2B solutions that include the installation of alternating and direct current chargers.
This is alongside the corresponding maintenance and management services.
Additionally, it offers a full range of facilities for domestic, office, and retail environments and conducts semi-public charging, providing a comprehensive service that covers everything from charging cables to charging stations.
