PowerPod proposes a blockchain-based decentralised EV charging network

Technology startup PowerPod is developing a blockchain-based ‘decentralised physical infrastructure network’ (DePIN) of community-owned EV charging stations.

To enable the integration, PowerPod is to use the community run blockchain from peaq as the layer 1 backbone.

PowerPod’s initiative is founded on the lack of available EV charging infrastructure, reportedly putting off around one-third of prospective buyers, according to the company.

To fill this gap, PowerPod is proposing to tap the thousands of private chargers already installed by existing EV owners to open them up for other drivers and for which they also would be rewarded.

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PowerPod reports currently building a platform and an app to enable the interactions and also is working on a range of hardware devices, including a smart charger adapter, a charger and a travel adapter for charging from regular sockets.

These devices will be outfitted with the peaq self-sovereign identities to enable them to connect with the blockchain, which also is to be leveraged for storage of charging session data, transactions handling and the token-based reward scheme for users.

“The DePIN model is perfect for unleashing the full capacity of the electric vehicle industry,” says Ting, Singapore-based co-founder at PowerPod.

“Through leveraging Web3, PowerPod empowers people globally to contribute to a more sustainable future while also capitalising on existing charging infrastructure. The DePIN-focused functionalities and economic framework offered by peaq will expedite our development and deployment significantly.”

The peaq layer-1 blockchain is aimed to enable anyone to build dApps (decentralised applications) and DePINs that can leverage real world assets to create what amounts to an ‘economy of things’.

Use cases to date out of more than 50 suggested by peaq include car sharing, location mapping and community wifi hotspot implementation with users listed on the website including Bosch, Airbus and NT among others.

Till Wendler, co-founder of peaq, says the smart mobility industry has been displaying a lot of excitement about Web3.

“It’s thrilling to see PowerPod use the DePIN model to close a vital gap for the electric vehicle market while also giving individuals more ownership in its hardware backbone. We are certain that PowerPod will bring new value and opportunities for the entire ecosystem.”