Blink Charging and Presto launch integration to let fleets locate, view live charger status and start charging at Blink DC fast chargers

Canadian SaaS startup EVDrop is moving beyond traditional roaming-focused charging apps with a software-driven platform that pairs driver convenience with operator efficiency, offering real-time availability and reservation capabilities via beevrGO for drivers and beevrDASH for operators.EVDrop is redefining EV charging by moving past the usual roaming prowess of charging apps and toward a software-driven platform that pairs driver convenience with operator efficiency. In an exclusive chat with CanadianSME, Elma Antimano, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, explained how the Canadian SaaS startup takes the guesswork out of charging with real-time availability data and reservation capabilities. The discussion highlights the founders’ varied backgrounds in consumer-facing industries, the Zero Waste ethos they’ve woven into product development, and how those experiences shape scalable, hardware-agnostic solutions like beevrGO for drivers and beevrDASH for operators. Antimano noted that EVDrop “started quite literally over a dinner among friends,” an origin story that anchors a culture of mindful use and resource efficiency inspired by the Japanese concept of Mottainai. The interview underscores how the team’s Fortune 500–level experience in consumer research, innovation and systems design is being translated into a platform meant to serve both sides of the EV ecosystem. The core value proposition rests on two user groups: drivers who want certainty about charger availability and operators who seek higher, more predictable utilization of assets. With real-time visibility and the option to reserve ahead, the platform is positioned to cut waiting times, ease range anxiety, and help drivers plan trips with confidence, while giving charging networks clearer insight into demand—facilitating better resource allocation and revenue optimization for operators. Antimano pointed out that the system creates a positive feedback loop: better driver experience drives higher utilization, which in turn encourages further investment in charging infrastructure. BeevrGO is pitched as a personal valet for drivers, featuring interoperability and a hardware-agnostic software layer designed to integrate with multiple charge points, as described on the company’s site. The beevrDASH interface, aimed at operators, is presented as a data-driven tool to reveal actionable insights on utilization patterns, peak periods and underused locations, supporting smarter expansion and maintenance decisions. In its scheduling narrative, EVDrop highlights three principal benefits—lower idle time and higher utilization, happier drivers leading to repeat business, and smarter pricing that reflects peak and off-peak demand—emphasizing the commercial rationale for smart scheduling within multi-vendor networks. The broader market context in Canada provides a supportive backdrop for software-driven charging platforms. Government announcements in 2024 underscore a sustained push to expand public charging infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy to accelerate EV adoption and jobs growth. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) published a series of releases and planning tools, including new RFPs under the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) to deploy thousands more chargers, and noted projects funded to expand charging across communities and highways. In September 2024, NRCan reported that 20 projects received about $14.9 million to install more than 3,000 chargers nationwide. The department also stated that federal investments have helped deploy over 43,000 chargers across Canada to date and pointed to planning tools and national maps to guide siting and prioritization. These policy signals, together with the industry move toward interoperable, software-driven management, create a favourable environment for platforms like EVDrop to scale beyond today’s closed-systems pilots into broader community networks. Looking ahead, the convergence of operator demand for smarter scheduling and national planning initiatives suggests an expanding role for software platforms in the EV charging segment. The EVDrop model—emphasizing reservations, real-time data, and seamless interoperability—aligns with the industry’s shift toward data-driven network management, energy optimization and proactive maintenance. NRCan’s July 2024 and subsequent announcements tied deployment planning to the need for accessible tools and maps that guide siting decisions, while acknowledging the scale of public and private charging projects required to meet Canada’s 2035 ZEV sales target. For stakeholders across the automotive supply chain—OEMs, charging network operators, fleets and property managers—the implication is clear: software that can balance demand, reduce idle capacity and enable dynamic pricing will be increasingly essential to maximize asset utilization, deliver consistent customer experiences and support accelerated EV adoption. As Antimano emphasized in the interview, collaboration and ecosystem-level thinking will underpin successful innovation in this fast-moving sector. Source: Noah Wire Services

AeroGround at Munich Airport has opened a dedicated electric bus depot with permanent charging infrastructure to support a 37-bus battery-electric shuttle fleet, paving the way for expansion toward 72 units under its Net Zero 2035 programme.AeroGround, Munich Airport’s ground-handling arm, has opened a dedicated electric bus depot in the southern part of the site to support zero-emission apron operations. The facility already serves 37 battery-electric buses supplied by MAN, with a fleet split of 20 solo units and 17 articulated buses that shuttle passengers between terminals and aircraft. The depot provides permanent charging infrastructure for these vehicles, and there is capacity to expand the fleet beyond 72 units should operational needs and charging capacity allow. Honestly, this move marks a sizable stride toward electrified ground handling, and Jost Lammers, Chairman of the Management Board of Flughafen München GmbH, put it this way: “With this new depot, we’re building the necessary infrastructure for fully electrified ground operations on the aprons. Half of our current ground fleet already runs on battery power. This project is another big step forward for our Net Zero 2035 strategy, bringing us closer to operating as a carbon-neutral airport.” The project sits alongside broader mobility subsidies and is being backed by the German federal government, with Ulrich Lange, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport, describing targeted support to modernise Munich’s bus fleet and accelerate progressive mobility for both domestic and international guests. Expansion plans already call for 13 additional charging points by summer 2025, with a third phase in 2026–2027 to add 22 more chargers and carports equipped with photovoltaic systems; officials also note a broader transition across AeroGround, including 173 electric transporters and related equipment, as well as 20 electric ground power units deployed to supply aircraft at remote stands, reducing emissions and noise. This move fits Munich Airport’s broader Net Zero 2035 programme, which aims to decarbonise the apron fleet and ramp up electrification across ancillary ground operations. Industry reporting indicates MAN began delivering the first ten electric solo buses in 2024, followed by a further 27 Lion’s City E models slated for deployment by the end of the year, with an option for an additional 25. The project has drawn €23.8 million in funding from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport under a directive for buses with alternative drives, supplemented by support from NextGeneration EU mechanisms. The aim, according to the airport’s programme messaging, is to have half of the apron fleet electric by now and to progress toward carbon-neutral operations globally. The funding arrangements and procurement cadence underscore a stepwise approach to fleet electrification that aligns with broader European decarbonisation initiatives and NOW/PTJ schemes that subsidise advanced-drive buses and related charging infrastructure. Looking ahead, Munich Airport’s infrastructure plan is designed to scale with demand and technology. In addition to the 37 connections already in place, a staged roll-out will add 13 more charging points by late summer 2025 and, in the 2026–2027 window, 22 more chargers and PV-enabled carports to support on-site generation. The underlying fleet expansion remains targeted, with 18 more electric buses expected to join the fleet by year-end, bringing the total toward the 72-vehicle long-term target. Beyond buses, AeroGround’s electrification programme encompasses a broad spectrum of ground-service equipment and vehicles, a move that is widely watched by fleet managers and propulsion suppliers across the automotive aftermarket as a test-bed for rapid infrastructure convergence, high-utilisation charging, and integrated energy management on busy international gateways. Emissions reductions are central to the rationale, with officials emphasising that electrification—coupled with on-site renewables and efficient ground power—will materially cut noise and local pollution around terminal operations. 📌 Reference Map: - Paragraph 1 – [1], [4] - Paragraph 2 – [1], [2], [5] - Paragraph 3 – [3], [6] Source: Noah Wire Services

The electric two-wheeler market is set to expand significantly by 2025, with dealerships benefiting from urbanisation, sustainability trends, and government incentives, while infrastructure developments and technological innovations accelerate adoption across Asia and beyond.The market for electric two-wheeler dealerships is expected to experience significant growth by 2025. This expansion is driven by broader urbanization trends, shifting mobility preferences, and increasing environmental awareness among consumers. According to a detailed business plan prepared by the IMARC Group, establishing a successful electric two-wheeler dealership requires more than just a clear sales and service strategy. It demands investment in the latest technologies, customer education, and exceptional after-sales support. These dealerships primarily focus on selling electric scooters, motorcycles, and e-bikes to urban consumers seeking sustainable transportation options, incorporating advanced battery systems, charging infrastructure, and smart connectivity features. A key component of this business model involves diversified revenue streams, including vehicle sales, financing packages, insurance services, maintenance contracts, battery replacement programs, and charging solutions. The sector benefits greatly from government initiatives such as reduced registration fees, tax incentives, and subsidies that make electric vehicles (EVs) more attractive to consumers. However, dealerships face challenges including rapidly evolving battery technologies, dynamic regulatory landscapes, and competition from traditional vehicle dealerships entering the electric vehicle segment. Location selection plays a crucial role in success. Dealerships situated in urban centers, technology hubs, college campuses, and environmentally conscious neighborhoods tend to attract consistent customer traffic. It is equally important to align showroom design and operational capabilities with comprehensive staff training and the installation of dedicated charging infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations and enhancing buyer confidence. IMARC Group’s financial projections cover a five-year period, outlining capital investments, operating costs, and profitability forecasts to aid entrepreneurs in planning for long-term success. The growth of electric two-wheeler dealerships is closely linked to the expansion of public EV charging infrastructure. Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that in 2024, public charging points increased dramatically—led by China, Europe, and the United States—supported by initiatives such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program in the US. These advancements are essential in alleviating range anxiety, a significant barrier to broader EV adoption, by improving the accessibility and reliability of charging networks. Developing charging infrastructure involves collaboration among utilities, contractors, and governmental agencies. Comprehensive planning addresses site selection, permitting, equipment procurement, labor costs, and scalability. State and local governments are instrumental in tailoring deployment strategies to regional needs, promoting equitable access—particularly in underserved communities—and fostering local economic growth through streamlined regulations and incentive programs. The electric two-wheeler market in Asia, especially India, is poised for rapid expansion. Industry experts project annual sales growth from roughly one million units in 2023 to between seven and nine million by 2030. This surge is propelled by strong government policies, subsidies, rising consumer interest in clean mobility, and partnerships between European and Asian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Sustained growth will depend on innovations in battery technology, scalable high-performance vehicles, and comprehensive charging infrastructure development. Another important driver is the volatility of traditional fuel prices, influenced by crude oil market fluctuations, refinery capacity variations, seasonal demand changes, and regulatory requirements. These factors contribute to unpredictable gasoline prices, motivating urban commuters to consider electric alternatives that offer greater cost stability and environmental benefits. For aftermarket professionals—including manufacturers, fleet managers, and logistics providers—entering the electric two-wheeler dealership space requires a holistic approach. Success hinges on combining technical expertise, agile supply chains, and effective marketing strategies focused on consumer education and trust-building. As environmental regulations tighten and urban congestion intensifies, electric two-wheelers supported by robust dealership services and reliable charging infrastructure present compelling opportunities for innovation and growth in the aftermarket sector. References - Paragraph 1: OpenPR, McKinsey - Paragraph 2: OpenPR, McKinsey - Paragraph 3: OpenPR, IEA, IEA 2023 - Paragraph 4: AFDC, AFDC - Paragraph 5: McKinsey, OpenPR - Paragraph 6: EIA, OpenPR - Paragraph 7: OpenPR, McKinsey Source: Noah Wire Services