With a strategy focused on quality, specialisation, and sustained growth, INOV.EM concluded 2024 with 1,000 charging points installed across both public and private domains.
In conversation with Mobility Portal Europe, João Castro Pinheiro, CEO of the Portuguese firm, states: “Our objective for this new year is to achieve growth of at least 30%, translating to the installation of a minimum of 1,300 chargers.”
Positioning itself as a strategic partner for industry giants such as Galp, Repsol, and Shell, the company’s philosophy centres on delivering high-quality services supported by a highly skilled workforce.
Founded in 2019, Pinheiro recalls: “We began as a mobility-focused company, which presents greater technical challenges but also positions us as experts in the sector.”
He further emphasises: “Our technicians receive nearly twice the training that is standard in this industry.”
The goal of this approach is to ensure issues are resolved promptly, regardless of the time required.
Their model encompasses areas ranging from hardware and software to advanced operational system maintenance.
“Our aim is not to be the cheapest, but the best in service quality,” he insists.
This mindset, which the executive describes as rare in the market, has enabled the company to attract and retain key clients.
What are INOV.EM’s business lines?
The firm operates across three main areas: public infrastructure, B2B projects, and residential solutions.
In the public domain, the company installs fast and ultra-fast stations, collaborating with major players in the sector.
For B2B projects, it specialises in infrastructure for employees and corporate fleets.
Additionally, it addresses the residential segment, offering solutions such as wallboxes.
“Although it may seem less attractive, if you are well-organised, even this segment can be profitable,” the CEO asserts.
The company also actively participates in public tenders, often partnering with charger manufacturers like EFACEC and Ekoenergetyka, or forming consortia with its clients.
“Participating in tenders allows us to execute flagship projects that strengthen our market position,” he remarks.
In this regard, he reveals that they have several opportunities in sight, are shortlisted for some, and expect to finalise these projects by 2025.
Mobility Portal Europe will continue to closely monitor these developments and provide updates in due course.
Expansion plans in Europe
A distinctive feature of INOV.EM is its decision to pursue organic growth, without relying on external financing or European public funds.
“We are growing through our own resources, which is challenging but sustainable,” Castro Pinheiro affirms.
Currently, the company primarily operates in Portugal, although it has undertaken some projects in Spain.
“We have received several invitations to enter Spain, France, and Italy, but we are still evaluating whether it is worthwhile to take that step at this moment,” he notes.
The focus remains on ensuring that any growth maintains the company’s high standards of quality.
“We are not closing the door to new locations, but we will only expand when we are confident that we can maintain the same level of excellence outside our borders,” he stresses.
Success stories and leadership in the Portuguese network
Among INOV.EM’s notable achievements is the recalibration of the public MOBI.E network, which involved more than 400 charging points across Portugal.
This project facilitated the transition of the state-run network to private operators such as Repsol, Galp, and EDP.
Another milestone was the installation of a mobile charging infrastructure for Portugal’s presidency of the European Union, comprising 20 fast chargers tailored for itinerant events.
The company has also delivered projects in premium locations such as Quinta da Marinha in Cascais, collaborating with prestigious clients like Powerdot and major energy operators.
What is the progress of the Portuguese eMobility market?
Castro Pinheiro observes that 2024 will mark a turning point.
“True industry incumbents, such as Iberdrola | bp pulse, Shell, and Zunder, are entering with significant CAPEX plans,” he explains.
According to him, the success of electric mobility relies heavily on the availability of infrastructure in strategic locations, such as fuel stations, which are now taking on a prominent role.
In this context, the growth of electric vehicles remains robust in the country.
“I believe that now, Portugal is truly becoming an eMobility market,” he concludes.
