Skycharger is a company that has emerged as a leader in the EV charging space. And the company’s mission is to create environmentally conscious communities where accessibility to EV charging is not a luxury. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Skycharger COO Johannes Copeland to learn more about the company.
Johannes Copeland’s Background
What is Johannes Copeland’s background? Copeland said:
“I come from a family with a long history of military leadership as doctors, nurses, pilots, and officers. My passion for renewable energy and clean transportation is deeply rooted in my experiences as a US Marine Logistics Officer deployed to Iraq. I’ve witnessed the steep cost our country has paid for its reliance on carbon-based fuels—a cost measured not just in economic terms, but in the immense human toll of blood, sweat, and tears. Seeing the devastating effects firsthand—the destroyed vehicles, the ravaged neighborhoods—has profoundly shaped my commitment to finding sustainable energy solutions. Over the past 17 years, I have dedicated myself to tackling the root causes of energy insecurity. My career has spanned constructing green homes for first-time homeowners, designing solar permit packages, and leading project management teams in the renewable energy sector. Now a father to two young daughters, my commitment to this cause is more vital than ever. From their first car ride home in an electric vehicle to their future journeys on electric school buses, I am committed to ensuring they inherit a world where clean energy and sustainable practices are the norm, not the exception. My aim is to forge a legacy of cleaner, safer energy options, clearing the path towards a more sustainable future for the next generation.”
Formation Of Skycharger
How did the idea for the company come together? Copeland shared:
“The concept for Skycharger emerged from the collaborative and synergistic environment of the Skyview Ventures group of companies. This group operates like a four-legged stool, where each leg represents a distinct but complementary subsidiary focused on a different aspect of the green technology and renewable energy sectors.”
“One leg is Skycharger itself, which focuses on developing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Another leg is Davis Hill Development, which specializes in solar and battery storage projects. The third leg comprises a trading desk that manages the financial aspects of the operations, such as trading carbon credits, tax credits, and other financial derivatives generated by the physical assets. The fourth leg is a venture capital subsidiary dedicated to sustainable technology, providing seed funding and support to startups in the green tech industry. These subsidiaries work together like a team, sharing administrative and legal resources, industry contacts, ideas, news, and opportunities.”
“This interconnection fosters a rich exchange of industry knowledge and professional growth among team members. Additionally, Skyview Ventures enhances this dynamic with a robust internship program that attracts and cultivates talented professionals early in their careers, ensuring a continuous influx of fresh ideas and perspectives within a nurturing professional environment. This collaborative framework laid the foundation for Skycharger, leveraging the group’s comprehensive expertise and resources to innovate in the EV infrastructure space.”
Favorite Memory
What has been Copeland’s favorite memory working for the company so far? Copeland reflected:
“My favorite memory from working at Skycharger, despite my relatively brief tenure so far, occurred during an all-hands meeting in a conference room filled with colleagues from across our parent organization. It was during a lively and passionate debate about trading and financial strategies that I had a couple of significant realizations. First, I was definitely not the smartest person in the room, which was both humbling and exhilarating because it promised intellectual challenges and opportunities for professional growth ahead. Second, I was struck by the sheer passion my colleagues brought to their work.”
“It is almost impossible to truly know a company’s ethos and culture until you’ve been inside it as an employee. Having experienced various company cultures and corporate environments in the past, this moment was particularly refreshing. It was clear I had joined an organization where not only is the intellectual capacity of the team impressively high, but individuals are also actively encouraged and empowered to utilize their skills fully. This experience was a powerful affirmation of my decision to join the Skyview team, inspiring even greater confidence in our collective capabilities. I’m genuinely excited to be part of such a talented, execution-focused group that is adept at making informed decisions and acting swiftly.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Copeland explained:
“Developing EV infrastructure projects, while not rocket science, involves a level of complexity that is far greater than one might expect. Each project, though small relative to general construction projects, requires extensive coordination over 9 to 18 months involving planning, purchasing, and numerous preparatory tasks before beginning physical construction. This complexity is compounded by the industry’s relative infancy and the high power demands of EV charging stations. Navigating the various financial incentives such as grants, tax benefits, and carbon-offset opportunities, which are aimed at bolstering EV infrastructure, can be daunting. It’s so challenging, in fact, that entire companies specialize in helping customers manage these processes.”
“At Skycharger, our goal is to streamline this for our customers. We provide the necessary financial capital, expertise, and knowledge so that our customers can implement EV infrastructure without shouldering the capital expenditures themselves. We handle the development, ownership, and operation of the EV assets, effectively transforming what would be a capital expense into a simpler operational expense. To ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness, we not only deploy EV chargers but also integrate batteries and solar solutions as needed. This holistic approach allows us to deliver turnkey solutions that address the complexities and technical demands of establishing robust EV infrastructure.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Copeland and the team faced in building the company? Copeland acknowledged:
“The industry has faced a variety of challenges, which have particularly intensified over the last several years. These challenges have ranged from the impacts of Covid-19 to delays caused by utility companies, product availability issues, unreliable contractors, supply chain disruptions, cost overruns, outdated practices in building departments, and interruptions due to wildfires.”
“Despite these hurdles, which are often compounded by macroeconomic conditions, the nature of construction permitting, and the monopolistic tendencies of utility jurisdictions, I’ve found that the most effective approach to overcoming these challenges begins with supporting our team. This means taking the time to understand the specific challenges faced by each team member and providing the necessary resources and guidance to help them navigate these obstacles effectively. To keep moving forward, I advocate for maintaining persistent pressure on the issues that block our progress.”
“This involves continuously questioning the status quo and pushing for improvements from all stakeholders involved in a project. If we encounter an insurmountable obstacle in one area, we focus on making progress in other areas to maintain momentum and demonstrate ongoing advances to our customers. It’s crucial to occasionally push teams and organizations beyond their comfort zones. Encouraging them to adopt new processes and solutions can often catalyze breakthroughs that would not have been achieved through conventional methods. By fostering a culture of resilience and proactive problem-solving, we are able to navigate through industry challenges more effectively and continue delivering on our commitments.”
Evolution Of Skycharger’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Copeland noted:
“Since launching over seven years ago, our company’s technology in the EV infrastructure space has evolved significantly, marked by substantial advancements in both product capabilities and how we leverage new technologies. One of the most notable changes has been the dramatic increase in the power and speed of EV chargers. Where it was once common to encounter DC chargers offering between 50 and 120 kW, we now see chargers capable of delivering 350 to 400 kW, setting a new industry standard.”
“In fact, chargers that offer less than 150 kW no longer qualify for many recent federal and state grant funding opportunities, underscoring the shift toward higher power outputs. Additionally, the capacity of vehicle batteries has also grown. Five years ago, 60-75 kWh batteries were the norm, but today’s newer, larger vehicles frequently feature batteries exceeding 100 kWh. Some of the larger EV trucks now have three to four times that capacity. This increase in battery capacity has naturally led to a rise in the average power consumption per charging session; from about 20 kWh per session four years ago to approximately 50 kWh today for passenger vehicles.”
“In response to these changes, our charger technology has also advanced. Modern chargers now often feature dual-port and multi-port capabilities, allowing simultaneous charging. Innovations include liquid-cooled charge cables, improved cable management systems, and the integration of stationary battery storage. These enhancements not only meet the demands for faster charging but also contribute to a more efficient and scalable infrastructure. As the market continues to grow and technology matures, akin to the evolution seen in cell phones and computers, we anticipate that these advanced features and higher speeds will become available at more competitive costs. Additionally, some of the latest technological advancements are designed to reduce site and utility power requirements, which can significantly improve project schedules and budgets throughout the lifecycle of the infrastructure development. This holistic approach to innovation ensures that as EV adoption reaches its inflection point, we are well-equipped to meet and exceed the evolving needs of the market.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Copeland cited:
“One of the most significant milestones for our company was recently winning a Request for Proposal (RFP) to design, develop, build, and operate a large drayage truck EV Charging Station at a major west coast seaport. This project stands out not only because of its scale and the extensive administrative effort required to secure the contract, but also due to its strategic importance in the transformation of critical infrastructure. By converting key components of the country’s logistics pipeline to cleaner electric power, this project marks a crucial step in reducing our dependence on traditional energy sources.”
“This milestone is particularly meaningful as it represents a move towards sustainable energy solutions that can have a profound impact on national energy policies and practices. It reflects our commitment to fundamentally shifting the narrative towards renewable energy, aiming to reduce the macroeconomic forces that have historically compelled American servicemen and women, including myself and my father, to engage in conflicts abroad to secure energy resources. This project is not just a business achievement; it is a pivotal move towards changing the landscape of how energy is consumed and generated in critical sectors of our economy.”
Customer Success Stories
After asking Copeland about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“One notable customer success story involves a client who is transitioning their fleet to electric vehicles (EVs). We are responsible for owning and operating the charging stations at their depot. However, we encountered a significant challenge when a permitting delay, caused by an old project at the facility, threatened to derail the timeline. Complicating matters further, the client’s new EV trucks began arriving ahead of schedule. To navigate this situation, we devised a creative and effective solution. We utilized a combination of power-managed EV stations that could operate on the existing power infrastructure, supplemented by overnight mobile charging units.
“This innovative approach allowed our customer to seamlessly integrate over 50 electric trucks into their operations, primarily for last-mile delivery services, without waiting for the permanent charging infrastructure to be fully developed. This solution not only ensured that their business operations continued without interruption but also demonstrated our commitment to flexibility and problem-solving in the face of unexpected challenges. Our ability to quickly adapt and provide workable solutions under pressure ensured that our client could maintain their operational efficiency and progress with their green initiatives during the transition period.”
Funding
When asking Copeland about the company’s funding information, he revealed:
“While Skycharger is a privately held company and operates financially in conjunction with the other subsidiaries under Skyview Ventures, I can share some general insights into how we fund our large projects. Our approach to funding is multifaceted, leveraging a mix of grants, special-purpose loans, carbon credits, tax credits, and other incentives. These financial tools are particularly aimed at supporting infrastructure development in trucking corridors, port and drayage areas, and disadvantaged communities.”
“The strength of our financial strategy lies in the deep relationships, extensive knowledge, and cumulative experience shared across our sister companies within the Skyview Ventures group. This collaborative framework allows us to undertake and successfully execute projects that might not be financially viable through operational revenues alone. By pooling our resources and expertise, we are able to create valuable assets that significantly contribute to our growth and the advancement of sustainable transportation solutions.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Copeland assessed:
“Skycharger aspires to be the premier charging provider and network for the medium and heavy-duty EV trucking segment, while also engaging in the public light-duty charging space where it is financially viable. Our target market includes a broad spectrum of clients, ranging from small-scale truck operators in need of affordable EV solutions to large Fortune 500 companies requiring extensive charging infrastructure for their fleets. While I don’t specifically focus on the total addressable market (TAM) in my role as an operational leader, it’s important to note that the potential market size for Skycharger could theoretically align with the entire transportation fueling industry across the country. This includes every sector that relies on vehicle fueling, from individual operators to massive corporate fleets.
“At Skycharger, we cater to businesses that are eager to adopt EV charging but prefer not to manage the complexities of developing and operating the necessary infrastructure. Our services effectively remove these barriers, making it easier for these companies to transition to sustainable energy solutions. In practice, my focus is dedicated to successfully executing projects for any client that our business development team engages, ensuring that we deliver top-tier service and infrastructure solutions to a diverse and expanding customer base.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Copeland affirmed:
“Skycharger distinguishes itself from competitors in the EV charging industry through a combination of vital attributes that are essential for success in this rapidly evolving market. These include passion, focus, financial capital, creativity, flexibility, and a high tolerance for risk. Supported by our parent company, Skyview Ventures, we benefit from having a lean, savvy, and skilled staff and leadership team that possesses a strong bias for action. As the EV industry becomes increasingly competitive, especially in the hardware and network sectors, many companies may struggle with the diminishing technological advantages they once relied on. While this rising competition poses challenges, it is also a sign of a healthy, maturing industry that will ultimately lead to market consolidation and the emergence of a few strong, capable organizations. What truly sets Skycharger apart is our ability to adapt quickly and innovate in response to changing market demands.”
“Our team’s dynamic capabilities ensure that we can navigate industry challenges effectively, positioning us as a leader in the development of reliable, cost-effective, and advanced EV charging solutions. This not only benefits us as a company but also enhances the overall customer and driver experience, providing them with better, faster, cheaper, and more reliable vehicles and infrastructure to support their transportation needs.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future company goals? Copeland pointed out:
“Skycharger is the new kid on the block at Skyview Ventures, but we’ve got some great momentum with our foot in a lot of doors and a ton of opportunity in front of us. Our immediate goal is to capitalize on this momentum by strategically expanding and strengthening our team. Looking forward, we aim to continue innovating in our approach to the financial and construction aspects of our projects. Specifically, we plan to develop creative solutions that not only address traditional challenges associated with infrastructure development but also tackle the more unique, edge-case scenarios that we encounter.”
“This dual focus ensures that we can provide versatile and robust solutions tailored to a wide range of needs in the EV charging infrastructure market. Overall, our future goals revolve around solidifying our position as a key player within the industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with EV charging solutions, and maintaining the agility to adapt to and capitalize on the evolving landscape of electric vehicle infrastructure.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics you would like to discuss? Copeland concluded:
“There’s been considerable discussion around the perceived ‘slowing’ of the EV industry, and some industry experts have devoted efforts to counter false or misleading narratives that seem impervious to logical arguments. As a sector poised at a significant inflection point, it is unnecessary for us to engage with the fading resistance from legacy industries. Ultimately, economic forces will prevail where logical debates cannot. Historically, the solar and wind industries were mocked for their low adoption rates. Yet today, the economic advantage of solar energy has transcended political and environmental debates.”
“Utilities are shifting away from coal not because we lack coal, but because it is economically more feasible to invest in wind and solar technologies. This shift is evident as solar installations become commonplace across diverse political landscapes, not as a badge of environmental commitment but as a testament to financial prudence. Similarly, the trajectory for EV adoption is clear: as we continue to provide superior, more affordable, and cleaner alternatives, consumer preferences will naturally align with the best solutions available. There is little value in debating skeptics when our resources could be better used to advance our technologies and market presence. The most successful companies in our space are those that produce EVs which are not only environmentally friendly but also superior in performance to their gasoline counterparts. Once these EVs also cost less than traditional cars, the transition away from internal combustion engines will be irreversible.”
