How Brazil’s Solarprime aims to energize Brazil’s EV charging network

The Solarprime solar energy franchise network, in partnership with photovoltaic equipment distributor and importer Belenergy, has launched Moby, a company specializing in integrated charging solutions for electric vehicles in Brazil.

With the proposal of expanding the supply of recharging points, the new company's pilot project includes the installation of electric stations on two highways: one between the federal district of Brasília and Goiânia, in Goiás state, and the other between the city of Campinas in São Paulo state and the coast.

The project includes other regions being studied that have significant electric vehicle fleets.

Solarprime's CEO, Mário Campo Grande, talks to BNamericas about the initiative and the scenario for electromobility in Brazil.

BNamericas: How much does the company plan to invest in the electric charging station network project?

Campo Grande: The investments will be around 3-4mn reais [US$530,000-700,000]. We intend to spend, apply and invest this amount from now until the end of the first quarter of next year.

BNamericas: What is the planned timetable?

Campo Grande: We plan to have some charging station offices, mainly linked to our franchise network, up and running by the end of the first quarter of next year.

We plan to have a payback within a year and a half. And the aim is for us to put the Moby brand in the spotlight. That’s why we're seeking some very important and representative partnerships in the short term.

We're confident that, within two years at most, not only will we recover our investment, but we will also have established a strong market presence. This will primarily benefit the network with territorial coverage – a key characteristic of ours, as we have a presence throughout Brazil, especially in the [state] capitals.

BNamericas: Are you seeking partners for the project?

Campo Grande: Absolutely, and important partners at that. We are reaching out to automakers, distributors, and we already have contracts in progress.

And these partners, who are active in the automotive sector and market, will certainly be important for us to show who we’re working with.

Our aim is always for both sides to benefit. We’ll provide the equipment and maintenance, while they will use our brand alongside theirs to create an electric vehicle charging network.

It's important to highlight that the market trend is toward integration across these different microcosms. For example, our app will need to interact with the apps of our partners. It’s the concept of "homing" in market and territorial coverage, ensuring we serve our customers.

[Editor's note: Developed in partnership with VoltBras, the Moby Recarga app allows integration between different chargers and management and payment apps. It provides real-time control over station payments, including pricing per kWh and monitoring energy usage to ensure it meets the customer's needs.]

BNamericas: Why did the company decide to make the investment at this time?

Campo Grande: There’s an open window right now, with various automakers, distributors, and market players, including institutions, wanting to offer their clients an alternative for electric vehicle charging, and they’re looking for partners.

Solarprime’s big advantage is our widespread network of over 500 franchisees, and our strong capability to supply equipment. The brand and the project are ours. So today, we don’t depend on third parties to enter the market, as we have both the software and the product. Plus, our after-sales support ensures the reliable and competitive operation of our equipment network.

BNamericas: Is the government's Mover Program one of the reasons?

Campo Grande: Of course, the Mover program, which offers incentives for those investing in R&D, is important.

But we’re not only focused on Mover. We’re monitoring all developments that prioritize mobility implementation. In São Paulo, for instance, there are already regulations for constructing buildings and facilities that must include provisions for electric car charger connections.

We’re preparing to be an ESG company. We want to align our ability to provide products and solutions for clean, affordable energy—specifically photovoltaic energy—with that ESG seal, which opens important doors for us in the short and medium term.

Brazil is working toward an energy transition, with strong potential for major expansion in solar energy. When you combine the variable of affordable energy with the opportunity to charge electric vehicles, which are undeniably the future, it creates a very favorable environment for those positioned in both technologies. This is Solarprime's goal, and Moby is set to become a key brand