Ubiden

About Ubiden

Ubiden, Inc. is a Japanese technology startup specializing in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. The company was founded on April 19, 2019, by Norio Yamaguchi (CEO & CTO), Tatsuro Shiraishi (COO), and Shuhei Onishi (CFO). The company's name combines the Latin word "Ubique" (meaning everywhere) with "denki" (Japanese for electricity). The business idea originated within SoftBank's internal innovation program, where Norio Yamaguchi's business plan for a new charging system won and was subsequently spun out to create Ubiden.

Ubiden's core offering is "WeCharge," an IoT-powered charging service for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Launched in 2021, WeCharge enables users to pay for charging based on the amount of electricity consumed rather than time, accessible via a smartphone app that handles authentication and payment. This system is designed to be installed in locations like apartment complexes, office buildings, and commercial facilities, addressing the need for accessible charging infrastructure. The service connects EV users with property owners willing to provide electricity, facilitating easy payment between them. The company's business model involves providing the management and operation of this charging service.

The company collaborates with major corporations to expand its infrastructure. A key partnership with OMRON involves the joint development of a smart plug module that can be retrofitted into individual charging outlets to measure electricity usage and connect with the WeCharge billing system. Ubiden has also secured investments from numerous prominent companies, including Panasonic, ENEOS, OMRON Ventures, and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, to fuel its growth and contribute to the development of a carbon-neutral society.