Jonathan Levy And Sara Rafalson Bring Expertise To Largest Network Of Public Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Brand

SSupported by cloud service provider DigitalOcean – Try DigitalOcean now and receive a $200 when you create a new account!
Listen to this article

 

* – This article has been archived and is no longer updated by our editorial team –

EVgo, the nation’s largest network of public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations, today announced the expansion of its leadership team.

Below is our recent interview with Sara Rafalson, and Jonathan Levy:

Sara Rafalson

Q: Sara, could you describe your new role at EVgo?

A: As Director of Market Development, I work with coalition partners, utilities, public service commissions, state legislatures, regulatory agencies, and other actors to facilitate the adoption of DC fast charging.
 

Q: How are you using your previous experience in your new role at EVgo?

A: Previously, I led market strategy and public policy efforts for a national solar energy development firm. I worked closely with state agencies on program design for various solar energy incentive programs, legislatures and coalition partners on renewable energy legislation, and other actors, mostly in the East Coast and Midwest, to promote smart policies and programs related to renewable energy. I’m looking forward to leveraging those experiences and the relationships I have to do the same for EVgo, helping various partners across the country to adopt policies, programs, and regulations that allow each state to encourage the infrastructure deployment necessary to promote EV adoption.

Q: Where do you see the future of EV heading?

A: Transportation electrification is here. We’re seeing states and utilities across the country looking to grow EV adoption through regulatory proceedings, introduced legislation, and otherwise. We think EVs will be increasingly important for fleets and ride share drivers, and also in the medium and heavy duty space, especially as it relates to trucks and buses.

EVgo Recommended: Portfolio And Tax Manager For Cryptocurrencies CoinTracker Announces $1.5 Million In Seed Funding Round

Q: What are your goals for the brand?

A: EVgo has been an early-mover in the EV charging space dating back to 2012. Based on this history, we understand the role and policies that encourage DC fast charging in a given market. We are industry thought leaders in this space, and I am increasing our visibility with state legislatures, public service commission, coalition partners, regulatory agencies, and others so that we can be a resource to our partners as many look to grow their EV markets.

Q: How do you explain what EVgo does to someone who isn’t familiar with EVs?

A: EVgo is the nation’s largest public fast charging network. Fast charging is a way that an EV driver park their cars, shop, eat, or relax and come back for 30-60 minutes and return to their EV with nearly a full charge.

An interview with Jonathan Levy:

Sara Rafalson

Q: Jonathan, what is your new role at EVgo?

A: In my new role, I have the privilege of working with some of the smartest and most passionate people working on transportation electrification to grow EVgo’s already nation-leading public fast charging network to enable mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Some of those people are my new EVgo colleagues, some are our existing partners, and some are leaders and influencers in the policy, technology, and thought leadership categories. The common thread in my work is expanding commercial opportunities and finding ways for EVgo to grow smarter and faster.

Q: How are you using your previous experience in your new role at EVgo?

A: Each chapter of the book lays the foundation for the next. As someone who has been fortunate to work for the public and private sectors, I have an understanding of both the policy and investment dynamics underpinning EV adoption. Additionally, I have always considered myself a problem solver, and creative solutions are key to finding the win-wins and odd bedfellows coalitions that will be good for commercial opportunities in the charging space. More importantly, my time with Vision Ridge means that I already know a lot of the great people at EVgo and EVgo’s partners as we work together to continue to grow our network and deliver a best-in-class customer experience.

Q: Where do you see the future of EV heading?

A: Frankly, the future is already here. It’s no longer a question of IF EVs will proliferate, it’s how quickly will it happen. As EV prices continue to decline, ranges increase, and model availability grows, the recipe is there for rapid uptake of cars that are a better way to drive. Public fast charging will also be a more and more important component of transportation electrification, enabling drivers who live in apartments and others to power their daily commute and more.

EVgo Recommended: vTime Limited Raises $7.6M In Series A Round To Create New And Unique Forms Of Engagement Across New Realities

Q: What are your goals for the brand?

A: EVgo has always sought to be a customer-centric company dedicated to delivering charging solutions for automakers, retail partners, and individual drivers. That focus on the customer will only continue to sharpen as we expand to deliver charging infrastructure for a growing population of drivers, automakers rolling out new EV models, site hosts looking to make EV charging available to their customers, and a growing segment of rideshare operators recognizing the major advantages of EVs. EVgo is making charging accessible, reliable, and fun, and we’re looking to tell that story more and more.

Q: How do you explain what EVgo does to someone who isn’t familiar with EVs?

A: EVgo delivers fast charging where you need it. Instead of having to wait by your car at the gas station, you take a minute to connect your car and start the charge with a swipe of your finger, and then you have time to go shop, eat, or play while EVgo and your car do the work.

,