OptiGrid

The company's history is tied to the acquisition of technology and intellectual property from FreeWire Technologies, an early developer of battery-buffered fast charging. Trucking industry veteran Wayne Hoovestol, recognizing the value of FreeWire's concept after it ceased operations, acquired its assets and teamed up with the founders of Orange EV, including Kurt Neutgens, to establish OptiGrid. This strategic backing provides OptiGrid with a U.S. manufacturing foundation and direct market access. Tyler Phillipi serves as the CEO of OptiGrid.

OptiGrid's core product is a self-contained, drop-in charging platform that integrates battery storage (up to 180 kWh), AC-to-DC conversion, and power management into a single unit. This design allows the units to be installed in days or weeks by drawing power from existing, lower-level grid connections to slowly charge the onboard battery, which can then deliver a fast charge to a vehicle, bypassing the typical delays and high capital expenditures associated with utility infrastructure upgrades. The system is designed to lower the total cost of ownership by minimizing upfront installation costs and reducing ongoing operational expenses by avoiding utility demand charges. The business model serves clients like ports and logistics facilities through both direct capital sales and leasing options, accommodating different customer financial strategies.