Cambridge-based Stepwise, a startup that has developed technology that works as an intermediary between a home electric panel and an electric vehicle, has launched commercially in Massachusetts.
Stepwise’s technology, the Stepwise EV Tap, bridges the gap between dated electric systems in homes and the needs of electric vehicle chargers. This is the first time the technology will be available for purchase, and the first move past the testing phase.
“This is a big step for us,” said Jane Chen, CEO and founder of Stepwise.
With its official launch into the commercial space, Stepwise is targeting first-time EV buyers, or current EV owners who don’t have charging capabilities at home, Chen said.
Massachusetts is a ripe market for Stepwise technology as many old homes are not compatible with EV charging without adding an entirely new electric circuit and panel, which can cost between $5,000 to $10,000, according to Chen.
Stepwise eliminates the need to do that, Chen said. Inclusive of installation fees, Stepwise box purchasers can expect to pay about $1,000.
“We don't actually need to upgrade if we can better utilize the existing powers we have,” Chen said. Stepwise allows for that better utilization.
A way to think of Stepwise’s technology is that the box is like the electric panel’s brain, Chen said. It controls the way energy demand from the EV impacts a home’s electricity, and keeps users in the range of safe electricity use despite adding a significant new need to the system.
Stepwise is currently engaging in a lead-generation process across Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Greater Boston is the first market where the product will be available, a decision based on the market needs related to age of homes in the area, and because of the founders’ ties to the area. Chen studied at MIT for her MBA.
“It’s the market that created us,” she said.
Chen declined to say how many units of the EV Tap the company hopes or expects to sell in the next year, but said the company is partnering with the Reading Municipal Light Department funded through an InnovateMass grant that will deploy a number of boxes.
Chen said this is Stepwise’s first step in its mission to create a swath of electrifying technology.
“It's all about step-by-step electrification,” she said.
Stepwise is a member company of Greentown Labs.
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