The Charge Point Podcast

Christophe Lephilibert, Robert Brehm

The Charge Point Podcast is your gateway to the future of EV charging. In each episode, we dive deep into the world of EV infrastructure, offering insights and perspectives from industry leaders, innovators, and the people at the forefront of deploying charging networks. Join us to explore the exciting developments that are accelerating our world towards sustainable mobility. More information about our Mission, Vision and Values here: https://www.flexecharge.com/company/about-us

  1. Episode 48 – Inside Survoltage: A French BSP on Flexibility Markets & EV Charging

    APR 23

    Episode 48 – Inside Survoltage: A French BSP on Flexibility Markets & EV Charging

    🎙️ Episode Overview  In this episode, we dive into one of the most strategic topics for the future of EV charging: flexibility - and the role of BSPs (Balancing Service Providers).  As renewable energy penetration increases, the grid is becoming more volatile - and the ability to adapt consumption in real time is turning into a critical asset.  Together with Jeff Knoepfli, CEO & Founder of Survoltage, we explore how flexibility markets work, how energy assets can be orchestrated, and what it means concretely for charge point operators - across both commercial and residential contexts.    ⚡ What You’ll Learn  What a Balancing Service Provider actually does How flexibility markets work - from a practical, operator perspective Why EV charging infrastructure is becoming a key flexibility asset The role of aggregation, smart control, and real-time optimisation How CPOs can start unlocking new revenue streams from their assets How flexibility also applies to B2C use cases, including smart homes and residential energy management The growing convergence between B2C, B2B, and EV charging flexibility   🔍 Key Takeaways for CPOs  Flexibility is moving from “nice-to-have” to a core component of the EV charging business model Your charging infrastructure can become a revenue-generating asset, not just a cost center You don’t need to go all-in immediately — start with pilots and scale Batteries + smart energy management + BSP integration = value stacking opportunity The market is evolving fast — early movers will capture the most value   🔗 Related Episode  If you want to go deeper into how flexibility is already deployed at scale in the Nordics, listen to:  👉 Episode 37 – with My Näslund (Flower)    👤 About the Guest  Jeff Knoepfli is the CEO & Founder of Survoltage, a French company building digital infrastructure to connect, control, and optimise distributed energy assets across residential (B2C) and commercial (B2B) environments.  Their mission: turn energy consumption into a flexible, controllable resource that supports the grid and unlocks new value streams.    🌐 Learn More  Survoltage: https://www.survoltage.fr/ FLEXECHARGE's collaboration with BSPs: https://www.flexecharge.com/partnerships/softwareGot some feedback or questions? Text us! You can get more information on our website. Give us some stars please 🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please give it a 5-stars note and leave us a review. Get in Touch: Do you have suggestions for future guests or topics? Reach out to us at hello@flexecharge.com.  Subscribe & Stay Updated: 🔔 Make sure to subscribe to the Charge Point Podcast to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the world of EV charging and energy. 📩 You can subscribe to our Newsletter, The Charge Point Journal, by clicking here. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 And you can follow us on Linkedin by clicking here and connect with Christophe here. ⚡ Let’s keep the conversation—and the electrons—flowing.

    36 min
  2. Episode 47 – When EV Charging Hits the Grid Wall: Inside the INTERFACE Benelux conference

    APR 8

    Episode 47 – When EV Charging Hits the Grid Wall: Inside the INTERFACE Benelux conference

    ⚡ Episode Overview What happens when EV charging growth collides with grid reality? In this special episode of the Charge Point Podcast, we take you inside INTERFACE Benelux - a live event where industry leaders gathered to tackle one of the biggest challenges in electrification today: grid constraints. Through a series of short interviews recorded on-site, you’ll hear how key players across EV charging, battery storage, and energy markets are adapting — and what it really takes to keep scaling in a grid-constrained world. You'll hear interviews with Robert (FLEXECHARGE), Tessa (Intercel), Mike (Kwetta), Peter (Floading) and Jan (FLEXECHARGE). 🎧 What You’ll Learn  Why the grid - not the charger - is now the main bottleneck How BESS (battery storage) is becoming essential to unlock new charging capacity  What “energy orchestration” really means for modern charging sites  Where the real value lies in flexibility markets today Why EV charging sites are evolving into full energy systems 🧠 Key Takeaways  EV charging has entered a new phase: from deployment → to energy optimisationGrid constraints are structural, not temporary BESS + EMS + smart orchestration are becoming the new standard  Flexibility is no longer theoretical - it’s a real business lever The industry is still early - and learning in real time 🚀 Why This Matters As EV adoption accelerates, the ability to work with the grid - not against it - will define the winners in this space. This episode gives you a front-row seat to how leading players are already making that shift. 🔗 Links & resources  More info about the INTERFACE conference series: https://www.flexecharge.com/event-interface-ev-charging-meet-the-grid-in-personOn-Demand Webinar: https://www.flexecharge.com/resources/webinars/the-power-of-co-located-batteries-unlocking-the-full-revenue-potential Got some feedback or questions? Text us! You can get more information on our website. Give us some stars please 🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please give it a 5-stars note and leave us a review. Get in Touch: Do you have suggestions for future guests or topics? Reach out to us at hello@flexecharge.com.  Subscribe & Stay Updated: 🔔 Make sure to subscribe to the Charge Point Podcast to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the world of EV charging and energy. 📩 You can subscribe to our Newsletter, The Charge Point Journal, by clicking here. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 And you can follow us on Linkedin by clicking here and connect with Christophe here. ⚡ Let’s keep the conversation—and the electrons—flowing.

    26 min
  3. Episode 46: 800+ Grid Operators, One Massive Problem - And How CPOs Can Standardize Their Rollout

    MAR 31

    Episode 46: 800+ Grid Operators, One Massive Problem - And How CPOs Can Standardize Their Rollout

    Scaling EV charging infrastructure in Europe sounds straightforward — until you hit the grid. In markets like Germany, Charge Point Operators are facing a highly fragmented landscape with 800+ Distribution System Operators (DSOs) — each with their own technical requirements, processes, and timelines. The result? More complexity, longer delays, and unpredictable rollouts. In this episode, Christophe is joined by Christof (Product Strategist) and Nicolas (Head of Customer Success) from FLEXCHARGE to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes — and what it means for CPOs looking to scale. They break down why grid integration is becoming the #1 bottleneck, how lack of standardization is slowing down the entire industry, and why forward-thinking operators are shifting their approach. Because this isn’t just a technical challenge — it’s a strategic one. ⚡ What You’ll Learn  Why grid integration is becoming the main constraint for scaling EV charging  The real impact of 800+ DSOs on deployment speed and complexity  Why every new site risks becoming a custom engineering project  How standardization can unlock faster, more predictable rollouts  What role solutions like the FLEXBOX play in simplifying grid integration  Why EV charging is evolving into a grid-interactive energy asset What CPOs need to do today to stay competitive tomorrow  🔑 Key Takeaways Fragmentation kills scale: dealing with hundreds of DSOs creates operational chaos Standardization is a competitive advantage, not just an efficiency gain Compliance is only the starting point — flexibility and control are the next frontier Charging infrastructure is becoming part of the energy system, not just mobility  🧠 About the Guests Christof – Product Strategist at FLEXCHARGE, focused on designing scalable, grid-integrated solutions for EV charging infrastructure. Nicolas – Head of Customer Success at FLEXCHARGE, working closely with CPOs across Europe to support rollout and operations at scale. 🔗 Links & resources  On-Demand Webinar: Solving the Grid Control Bottleneck in Germany: https://www.flexecharge.com/resources/webinars/the-best-cpos-dont-reinvent-deployments-they-standardise-meet-the-flexbox  Got some feedback or questions? Text us! You can get more information on our website. Give us some stars please 🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please give it a 5-stars note and leave us a review. Get in Touch: Do you have suggestions for future guests or topics? Reach out to us at hello@flexecharge.com.  Subscribe & Stay Updated: 🔔 Make sure to subscribe to the Charge Point Podcast to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the world of EV charging and energy. 📩 You can subscribe to our Newsletter, The Charge Point Journal, by clicking here. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 And you can follow us on Linkedin by clicking here and connect with Christophe here. ⚡ Let’s keep the conversation—and the electrons—flowing.

    30 min
  4. Episode 45 – How Smart Freight Centre Is Accelerating the Shift to Zero-Emission Trucking

    MAR 17

    Episode 45 – How Smart Freight Centre Is Accelerating the Shift to Zero-Emission Trucking

    In this episode, we sit down with Samuel Barendregt from the Smart Freight Centre, a global nonprofit working at the forefront of zero-emission freight.  Freight is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize — but things are starting to move. Battery-electric trucks are entering the market, charging infrastructure is evolving, and new collaborative models are emerging to bridge the gap between ambition and execution.  So what will it actually take to scale zero-emission freight?    🚀 What we cover  Why battery-electric trucks are emerging as the leading solution for zero-emission road freight The critical role of charging infrastructure — and why depot charging dominates today The rise of shared charging hubs and semi-public depot infrastructure The importance of megawatt charging systems (MCS) for long-haul trucking Why collaboration across the ecosystem is essential to unlock scale The current state of pilot projects vs. real deployment Why the biggest gap today is not technology — but knowledge and coordination   🔑 Key insights  Depot charging is king: the majority of truck charging happens at depots due to cost and operational control Shared infrastructure is emerging: fleets are beginning to collaborate on semi-public charging to improve utilization Battery-electric trucks are leading the transition, with other technologies playing more limited roles The industry is still in an early stage, especially when it comes to advanced solutions like MCS and V2G Learning and collaboration today = competitive advantage tomorrow   🌍 About Smart Freight Centre  A global nonprofit focused on reducing emissions in the freight sector.  They work with major companies like Amazon, IKEA, DHL, and LEGO to:  Track and report emissions Enable collaborative decarbonization projects Accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technologies Their mission: align the freight sector with 1.5°C climate targets.    🔗 Links & resources  Smart Freight CentreConnect with Samuel BarendregtOn-Demand Webinar: Solving the Grid Control Bottleneck in GermanyGot some feedback or questions? Text us! You can get more information on our website. Give us some stars please 🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please give it a 5-stars note and leave us a review. Get in Touch: Do you have suggestions for future guests or topics? Reach out to us at hello@flexecharge.com.  Subscribe & Stay Updated: 🔔 Make sure to subscribe to the Charge Point Podcast to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the world of EV charging and energy. 📩 You can subscribe to our Newsletter, The Charge Point Journal, by clicking here. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 And you can follow us on Linkedin by clicking here and connect with Christophe here. ⚡ Let’s keep the conversation—and the electrons—flowing.

    28 min
  5. Episode 44 - Speed vs. Grid Reality: Inside ELECTRA’s German Expansion

    MAR 5

    Episode 44 - Speed vs. Grid Reality: Inside ELECTRA’s German Expansion

    Germany is Europe’s largest automotive market - and one of the most challenging environments to scale EV charging infrastructure.  In this episode of the Charge Point Podcast, host Christophe Lephilibert speaks with Paul Tonini, General Manager of ELECTRA Germany, about the realities of rolling out high-power EV charging (HPC) networks in one of Europe’s most complex regulatory and grid landscapes.  From navigating 800+ Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to managing grid capacity constraints, permitting challenges, and fragmented technical requirements, Paul shares practical insights into what it really takes to scale EV charging infrastructure in Germany.  The conversation also explores why standardization, grid integration, and scalable technology architecture are becoming essential for Charge Point Operators (CPOs) that want to expand across Europe.  If you're interested in EV charging infrastructure, grid integration, high-power charging networks, or the future of electric mobility, this episode provides a real-world perspective from the front lines of the industry.    Key Topics Covered  • Why Germany is one of the most important EV charging markets in Europe  • The operational challenges of dealing with 800+ distribution system operators (DSOs)  • How grid capacity and connection delays impact EV charging rollout timelines  • Why standardization and repeatable infrastructure designs are critical for scaling charging networks  • How ELECTRA differentiates through customer experience, charging site design, and technology  • The growing importance of grid control, load management, and smart energy infrastructure  • Future trends in high-power charging architecture, including centralized power cabinets and dispenser charging systems    ⚡ Resources  On-Demand Webinar: Solving the Grid Control Bottleneck  As discussed in this episode, one of the biggest challenges for Charge Point Operators expanding EV charging networks in Germany and Austria is managing grid compliance and Distribution Network Operator (DNO) requirements.  Fragmented grid rules, complex technical interfaces, and unpredictable approval timelines can significantly slow down EV charging infrastructure deployment.  In this on-demand webinar, we explain how operators can simplify grid integration and accelerate rollout using standardized grid-control infrastructure.  👉 Watch the webinar In this session, y Got some feedback or questions? Text us! You can get more information on our website. Give us some stars please 🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please give it a 5-stars note and leave us a review. Get in Touch: Do you have suggestions for future guests or topics? Reach out to us at hello@flexecharge.com.  Subscribe & Stay Updated: 🔔 Make sure to subscribe to the Charge Point Podcast to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the world of EV charging and energy. 📩 You can subscribe to our Newsletter, The Charge Point Journal, by clicking here. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 And you can follow us on Linkedin by clicking here and connect with Christophe here. ⚡ Let’s keep the conversation—and the electrons—flowing.

    21 min
  6. Episode 43 – Scaling Fast Charging with Batteries: Enico’s Take on Co-Located BESS

    FEB 19

    Episode 43 – Scaling Fast Charging with Batteries: Enico’s Take on Co-Located BESS

    Episode Overview  Grid constraints are no longer an exception - they are becoming the norm.  Across Europe, Charge Point Operators are facing limited grid capacity, long connection lead times, and rising energy costs.  In this episode, Christophe speaks with Topias Koskela, Sales & Development Director at Enico, about how co-located Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are helping CPOs scale fast-charging infrastructure in real grid conditions.  Using Recharge’s pilot site in Vesterås, Sweden, as a case study, they explore how batteries can move from pilot deployments to scalable roll-out blueprints.    Topics Covered  Why BESS adoption has accelerated over the past two years The impact of grid constraints on fast-charging expansion How co-located batteries enable power boosting and site growth Why peak shaving alone is rarely enough to justify the investment What “value stacking” means in practice Combining peak shaving, arbitrage, and frequency markets Operational realities: integration, availability, and DNO requirements Battery sizing considerations for high-power charging sites What CPOs should evaluate before launching their first BESS project Key Insights  BESS is becoming a strategic enabler, not just a technical workaround. Profitability depends on stacking multiple value streams - not relying on a single use case. Seamless integration between chargers, batteries, and EMS platforms is critical. High availability and long-term serviceability are key KPIs for CPOs. Co-located BESS is evolving from pilot phase to standard infrastructure design.   Resources & Links  “Optimisation of co-located BESS”, an on-demand webinar with Dr. Robert Brehm, CTO at FLEXECHARGE – sign up here  Got some feedback or questions? Text us! You can get more information on our website. Give us some stars please 🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please give it a 5-stars note and leave us a review. Get in Touch: Do you have suggestions for future guests or topics? Reach out to us at hello@flexecharge.com.  Subscribe & Stay Updated: 🔔 Make sure to subscribe to the Charge Point Podcast to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the world of EV charging and energy. 📩 You can subscribe to our Newsletter, The Charge Point Journal, by clicking here. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 And you can follow us on Linkedin by clicking here and connect with Christophe here. ⚡ Let’s keep the conversation—and the electrons—flowing.

    28 min
  7. Episode 42 – From Diesel to Electric: Who Wins When Freight Electrifies

    FEB 5

    Episode 42 – From Diesel to Electric: Who Wins When Freight Electrifies

    Episode Description  Road freight is entering a structural shift as electric trucks move from pilots to real operations. In this episode of The Charge Point Podcast, Christophe Lephilibert speaks with Otto Gussenhoven from sennder about what it actually takes to make electric freight work at scale.  The conversation goes beyond vehicle technology and into the real drivers of success: access to electric trucks, charging and energy strategy, utilization, and risk management. Drawing on firsthand operational experience and insights from sennder’s recent EV White Paper, this episode explores why some fleets are already approaching cost parity with diesel—and why the next few years will be decisive for the industry.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode  Why electrification of road freight is a structural, once-in-a-generation transition Why electric trucks are no longer the main bottleneck—and what has replaced them How access models and risk-sharing approaches are accelerating adoption Why charging and energy strategy can make or break the TCO of electric freight How utilization, route selection, and operational learning drive competitiveness Why the freight market may split between EV leaders and diesel laggards over the next decade Resources & Links  sennder's White Paper: https://www.sennder.com/reports/how-electric-heavy-duty-trucks-will-outperform-diesel-by-2030“Optimisation of co-located BESS”, an on-demand webinar with Dr. Robert Brehm from FLEXECHARGE – sign up here Got some feedback or questions? Text us! You can get more information on our website. Give us some stars please 🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please give it a 5-stars note and leave us a review. Get in Touch: Do you have suggestions for future guests or topics? Reach out to us at hello@flexecharge.com.  Subscribe & Stay Updated: 🔔 Make sure to subscribe to the Charge Point Podcast to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the world of EV charging and energy. 📩 You can subscribe to our Newsletter, The Charge Point Journal, by clicking here. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 And you can follow us on Linkedin by clicking here and connect with Christophe here. ⚡ Let’s keep the conversation—and the electrons—flowing.

    34 min
  8. Episode 41 – EV Charging Under Attack? A Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call

    JAN 22

    Episode 41 – EV Charging Under Attack? A Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call

    About this episode In this second episode dedicated to the crucial (but often underestimated) topic of cybersecurity in EV charging, we sit down with Giuseppe Serio from Upstream Security - one of the most respected voices in automotive and mobility cybersecurity.  Giuseppe shares a realistic and urgent view of the risks CPOs face today, from firmware vulnerabilities to large-scale data breaches, and outlines what operators can do to stay ahead. As EV infrastructure becomes more connected and essential, cybersecurity must become part of the operational core - not just a compliance checkbox.    What we cover in this episode  Why cybersecurity is now mission-critical for CPOs Real-world examples of cyber incidents in the EV charging space What makes chargers an attractive target for threat actors Common vulnerabilities in charge points and backend systems The cost of downtime: brand reputation, lost revenue, and trust Why compliance is only the baseline, not the finish line Giuseppe’s recommendations for proactive risk mitigation   Resources & Links  2025 Upstream Security Annual Automotive Cybersecurity Report (latest) Sign up to Upstream’s webinar where they present their 2026 Report: https://mobex.io/webinars/the-ai-awakening-findings-from-upstreams-2026-automotive-cyber-report/ Connect with Giuseppe on LinkedIn   Want to learn more about the power of co-located batteries?  Join our free masterclass on co-located stationary batteries. In this masterclass, FLEXECHARGE’s CTO, Robert Brehm, reveals how intelligent orchestration of co-located batteries and chargers unlocks multiple revenue streams through value stacking. Discover how to move beyond simple grid stability and transform your site into a profit-generating energy hub.  Access the on-demand webinar here  Got some feedback or questions? Text us! You can get more information on our website. Give us some stars please 🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please give it a 5-stars note and leave us a review. Get in Touch: Do you have suggestions for future guests or topics? Reach out to us at hello@flexecharge.com.  Subscribe & Stay Updated: 🔔 Make sure to subscribe to the Charge Point Podcast to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the world of EV charging and energy. 📩 You can subscribe to our Newsletter, The Charge Point Journal, by clicking here. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 And you can follow us on Linkedin by clicking here and connect with Christophe here. ⚡ Let’s keep the conversation—and the electrons—flowing.

    40 min

About

The Charge Point Podcast is your gateway to the future of EV charging. In each episode, we dive deep into the world of EV infrastructure, offering insights and perspectives from industry leaders, innovators, and the people at the forefront of deploying charging networks. Join us to explore the exciting developments that are accelerating our world towards sustainable mobility. More information about our Mission, Vision and Values here: https://www.flexecharge.com/company/about-us

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