Powerdot started in 2018 in Portugal and now, with over 7,500 charge points across 6 countries in Europe, they are poised to become Europe's leading provider of EV charging solutions.
To help us understand more about their future plans, we decided to sit down with Luis Martins for Powerdot, to get the inside scoop.
Let's get plugged in...
(*You can check where your nearest Powerdot charger is by searching the map or using the app filters)
Powerdot started in 2018 in Portugal. At that time, Luis and the founders were already driving electric cars, even though electric mobility was not yet as widespread or accepted. It was still seen as something of the future. They noticed that there weren't enough chargers for their vehicles and felt that the charging experience could be significantly improved. Their vision was to make charging an electric car as easy as charging a smartphone.
This led them to the idea of installing chargers in everyday high-traffic locations such as shopping centers, supermarkets, restaurants… That’s how our “destination charging” vision started.
The first Powerdot charger was installed near a city center in Lamêgo, a small town in Portugal. At the time, the installation was quite an attraction since it was even the first time the electricians had installed one. Six years later, we operate more than 7500 charge points spread across 6 countries in Europe thanks to 170 employees working daily to expand our network and make sustainable mobility accessible.
Our initial goal was first to validate our vision of destination charging and to verify that we could change drivers' perceptions and habits. This is what we gradually did in Portugal since we first launched. In 2020, when we were confident in our innovative model, we decided to expand internationally, starting with France, then Spain, Poland, and most recently Belgium. Today, we are proud to be among the leading networks in all the countries where we operate.
In the next five years, our vision is to confirm Powerdot as the European leading provider of EV charging solutions. We aim to significantly expand our network, optimise the charging experience for our users, and continue to innovate in the services we offer to our partners. Our goal is to make electric vehicle charging as seamless and accessible as possible, supporting the transition to sustainable mobility.
Since Powerdot started, the EV charging industry has seen tremendous growth and technological advancements. Increased vehicle range, faster charging times, public incentives and greater consumer awareness have all contributed to this boom.
Powerdot has adapted by continuously expanding to where people like to go, providing the most efficient chargers, in order to offer the best experience. Operational excellence is also central to this effort, ensuring our stations operate flawlessly and that feedback from users and partners is heard and acted upon consistently.
On one hand, we thrive on challenges. Since 2018, making sustainable mobility accessible has been a goal we embraced, and we work continuously every day to meet it. In doing so, we continually push ourselves as individuals and as a team to aim higher.
On the other hand, we are entirely partner-focused. This principle is fundamental to our destination charging strategy. Our objective is to deliver value to all our partners from day one. The satisfaction and adoption of electric vehicle drivers depend on our value proposition to our partners.
Lastly, sustainability of course. Reducing our carbon footprint and promoting clean energy are at the heart of all our actions and motivations.
The investments from Antin in 2022 and 2024 have been pivotal in accelerating our growth and expansion. These funds enabled us to significantly expand our networks (most recently in Belgium), enhance our technological capabilities, and recruit the best team to support the increasing demand in EV charging.
First of all, EV drivers benefit from Powerdot’s partnership program through increased accessibility and convenience. By partnering with well-known retail chains like Cora and Intermarché, we ensure that our charging stations are located in places where drivers already go for their daily needs. This integration allows drivers to charge their vehicles while they shop, making the charging process more convenient and time-efficient.
Then, our goal is to strengthen these partnerships for the benefit of users by integrating into retailers' loyalty programs for example, or conducting promotional campaigns in collaboration with partners.
Powerdot offers a range of charging speeds, from standard AC chargers to fast and ultra-fast DC chargers. We are continually enhancing our infrastructure to support faster charging times, in order to make EV charging as quick and efficient as possible. Looking ahead, we plan to integrate diverse charging technologies and focus on Fast and Ultra-Fast charging to ensure our network meets the evolving needs of EV drivers.
Partnerships like the one between Powerdot and Octopus Electroverse are crucial because they enhance the reach and reliability of the public charging infrastructure. These collaborations combine expertise, and technology to provide comprehensive charging solutions. They help create a more integrated and user-friendly network, making it easier for drivers to find and use charging stations, which in turn promotes the adoption of electric vehicles.
In the end, these partnerships are advancing the positive perception of electric vehicles and making sustainable mobility more accessible. We'll get there step by step!
The Tesla Model S: incredible performance, advanced technology and superb design. It’s my representation of the future of electric vehicles.
The longest journey I’ve completed in an EV was a trip from Paris to Lisbon, covering approximately 1,750 kilometres (1,087 miles). It was a great experience that allowed me to make splendid stops along the French Basque coast and near Salamanca. And above all, what a pleasure to be able to have a delicious lunch while your car charges without having to take a detour. Long live destination charging!
One EV life hack I’d share is to always have a backup charging plan. While the network of charging stations is expanding rapidly, having a few alternative stations in mind can save you from unexpected delays.
My advice would be to relax and enjoy the experience. We've made the process as simple as possible, with the option to choose your preferred charging speed and payment method (via your badge, our QR code, or our payment terminals thare being progressively launched). Additionally, our customer support is always available to assist you with any questions or issues.
My golden rule for using a public charger is to be considerate of others. Once your vehicle is fully charged, move it promptly to free up the space for other drivers. Also, if you see someone waiting, try to limit your charging session to what is necessary to reach your next destination comfortably.
Feeling enlightened or do you think something was missing? Let us know by sharing your feedback.
Interested in learning more? Head over to our Electroverse Community area for more electrifying content!
