Electric Era debuted the first artificial intelligence-enabled electric vehicle fast-charging stations this week. The technology is designed to deliver a more personalized charging experience courtesy of the company’s Retailer AI software platform.
The Retailer AI platform features a voice-activated user interface to bring personalized concierge experiences and retail engagement opportunities to life.
“From the start, we looked at every opportunity to give our retail customers a richer EV charging experience that helps them use the refueling point of contact to grow their customer base and their business,” Electric Era founder and CEO Quincy Lee, a former SpaceX engineer, told Newsweek.
“I see Retailer AI as an extension of that, as a blank palette that retailers can use to design and activate their ultimate branded EV charging experience that reflects their brand identity and ability to engage with their customers in a more meaningful way,” he said.
Retailer AI aims to be a brand extension for retailers including convenience stores, grocers and restaurants. Users can order from the electric vehicle charger’s screen.
Electric Era
The experience begins when an electric vehicle driver pulls up to an Electric Era charging station. In addition to typical charging station functionality, the station’s AI technology can find restaurants, shopping centers and points of interest nearby, all while the screen displays the charging vehicle’s vitals.
“As an EV owner, I drive to unknown places often, and I look for charge locations that I can take advantage of my downtime to take a break, maybe find something to eat, or stop at a nearby store to get something I need,” Lee said.
“Having Retailer AI, drivers get a personal assistant that ‘knows’ who they are, their current situation, and engages them in a conversation to help them optimize their charge time productively. AI is as endless as our imagination, which is why we feel it’s the ultimate platform for our retailer customers to leverage to better serve their customers and extend their retail space into the parking lot,” he said.
