[Aug 16, 2024]
Local startup Ranger EV brings electric vehicle charging solutions to Hillsdale streets.
Ranger EV, a new startup co-founded by Hillsdale resident Brian Boshes, has launched its first "Ranger Station," a publicly accessible EV charging point, right here in Hillsdale. You can find it at 1701 SW Martha St.
Ranger EV is a platform for individuals or small businesses to provide a fee-based charging station for electric vehicles (EV's). Boshes describes it as an "Airbnb for EV chargers," with a slight twist on "host" and "guest." In the case of Ranger EV, the "host" is an individual or small business owner who wants to provide an EV charging station to an EV driver looking for a charge—the "guest." The Airbnb model is apt, as Ranger EV is specifically designed for vacation and other rental property owners, in addition to other small businesses.
Boshes, along with his business partners, sees this as a needed infrastructure improvement to the expanding EV landscape: "We are filling in the 'charging deserts' in the PNW, especially in areas where folks want to travel." In many areas, he says, the EV current charging options are at high-traffic places like shopping centers and casinos, adding, " travelers are going to want to charge where it's most convenient on their vacation, and what's more convenient than charging while you're sleeping! "
"We've made the technology and price-point something that the average consumer could install and manage at their vacation rental, cabin, or anywhere an EV driver would stay overnight, or at least for a few hours," explains Boshes.
According to Boshes and his team, they are the only Oregon company supporting EV charging on a peer-to-peer level.
How it works
Ranger EV consists of a charging station and an app that handles payment. The host installs the dedicated charging station on their property, sets the fees and collects payment through the Ranger EV app. Using the app, EV drivers can locate nearby chargers and scan a QR code at the station to initiate charging. The app calculates the energy used and processes payment. Each transaction includes a fee for the Ranger EV service.
Ranger EV aims to install hundreds of Ranger Stations throughout Oregon in the coming months. The company is actively seeking hosts for its pilot program this fall, with a limited number of participants eligible for a free EV charger.
If you own a private vacation rental or small business and want to offer EV charging, learn more or sign up to host your own Ranger Station at www.rangercharging.com.
Hillsdale residents and visitors with electric vehicles are invited to test the first Ranger Station at 1701 SW Martha St. Look for the retaining wall with pumpkins and flowers flowing out of it every summer and fall. Users are encouraged to leave feedback through the app or in person if they spot Boshes tending his garden.
Boshes says, “Although my house is not a rental, I’m pretty excited to have our first Ranger Station available here to share with and get feedback from the community."
–Valeurie Friedman
Do you drive an electric vehicle? What charging infrastructure issues have you encountered? Let us know.
Comments