EV tech provider: All charged up and ready to go

Brazil’s electric vehicles association ABVE estimates the country will more than double its recharging infrastructure in the next two years, reaching 10,000 electric stations compared to the current 4,600. 

The growth is stimulating companies like VoltBras, a provider of technologies for managing the monitoring and operating of electric vehicle chargers.

In this email interview with BNamericas, the group’s COO, Rodolfo Levien, says it has capitalized to expand its operations, including in other Latin American countries.

BNamericas: How do you assess the electric mobility scenario in Brazil?

Levien: We’re very optimistic because the market is hot and growing, exceeding sales expectations. 

With the entry of more affordable vehicle models with excellent quality, more electric cars are being seen on the streets every day. 

As a result, we’re seeing more and more investment in charging infrastructure and, consequently, the emergence of great business opportunities in the sector.

BNamericas: What are the main challenges for the growth of this market and, consequently, of electro-posts?

Levien: Although the scenario is more positive, the price of electric cars is still higher than that of combustion-powered vehicles. 

As soon as all the automakers’ efforts to reduce the price of electric vehicles become a reality, and this reaches the end consumer, the volume of vehicles will consequently expand even more and, with that, we’ll have a considerable increase in demand for the use of more electrochargers. 

And because Brazil is a continental-sized country, there is a major challenge in providing a sufficient number of electro-posts to meet this demand. In this respect, we see a lot of opportunity for growth for those who wish to invest in this business model.

BNamericas: What are the main contracts and projects currently being developed by the company?

Levien: VoltBras serves the largest energy companies in the country and Latin America: Equatorial Energia, EDP, Ipiranga, Neoenergia, YPF (Argentina), Ende (Bolivia), CTG and others, as well as smaller energy companies that are also investing very positively in this market. 

We have major projects underway, such as roaming, which allows interoperability between our customers’ recharging networks, as well as being a hub for connecting our customers, allowing them to grow through technical and business support, as well as a link for partnerships between them.

BNamericas: Could you cite examples of products/technologies offered by VoltBras? 

Levien: A recharge payment solution for all of Latin America; a white-label recharge application; a charger management platform for public recharging, condominiums and fleets; and load balancing and roaming between different recharge networks.

BNamericas: Does the company plan to make investments in the coming years? What will the priorities be?

Levien: Yes, we’re capitalized. We raised 12mn reais [US$2.3mn] at the end of 2023 to focus on expansion over the next few years. 

We’re focusing on product growth, new markets, new customers and expansion in Latin America.

BNamericas: Which markets in Latin America, apart from Brazil, do you consider most attractive for your business? For what reasons? 

Levien: Chile, Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica and Ecuador, due to their size and market maturity. We focus a lot on the energy, gas and fuel companies in these countries, as we believe they are the companies with the greatest affinity with electric mobility and that have the most to gain from it.

BNamericas: What are your expectations for revenue growth?

Levien: We plan to triple our revenue in 2024, through new clients and by supporting the expansion and growth of current clients’ businesses, thus expanding our base.