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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteOn August 22, 2023, Seattle-based Electric Era announced an $11.5 million Series A led by HSBC Asset Management to scale its PowerNode battery-supported fast chargers, particularly for convenience stores and quick-service retailers. The financing brought the company’s reported investment total to $19 million. It was a historical funding announcement—not a new 2026 round—and the promised charging performance and expansion plans were company claims, not independent proof of commercial results.
What Electric Era announced in 2023
Electric Era said it would use the Series A to accelerate production and deployment of PowerNode stations. HSBC Asset Management led the round; SQM Lithium Ventures, Blackhorn Ventures and Proeza Ventures also participated. GeekWire reported the $19 million cumulative investment figure. GeekWire’s August 22, 2023 report and Axios’s report on the round describe the financing and its intended retail focus.
Electric Era was founded in 2019. CEO and co-founder Quincy Lee previously worked at SpaceX, and coverage noted that some engineers had worked on Starlink-related systems. That background describes the team; it is not evidence of charger performance.
Why battery support could matter at retail sites
DC fast chargers can require substantial electrical capacity, especially when several vehicles may charge at once. A convenience store or fuel retailer may want high-power charging but lack sufficient existing service. A utility upgrade can add cost and delay, and some tariffs charge commercial customers for their highest periods of electricity demand. Those charges can make a station’s economics less attractive even when energy use over the month is manageable.
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- Flex Level 1 EV Charger - The EVDANCE Level 1 electric car charger is compatible with J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (North American Standard). *Tesla requires a SAE J1772 adapter.
- Convenient to Use - This charger has both NEMA 6-20 plug for 16A 240V charging (3.68kW, 10-12 mi/h) and a NEMA 6-20 to 5-15 plug adapter for 12A 120V charging (1.44kW, 2-5 mi/h). The included bag makes it easier to carry on the go. It also has a 25ft cable length, you can use it flexibly from anywhere in the garage or driveway.
- Check Your Outlet Type -This charger works with standard 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets (2-5 mph charging speed) and 240V NEMA 6-20 outlets (10-12 mph) . It's not compatible with NEMA 6-15/10-30/14-30/14-50/6-50 outlets – you'll need a NEMA 14-50/14-30/10-30/6-50 to 6-20 adapter (sold separately) to connect.
- Compatible EV Models -This EV charger works with most major electric vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Nissan Ariya, Rivian R1S, Kia, and others. However, it's not compatible with Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop,Toyota Prus Prime/Z4X/RAV4Prime, Porsche Taycan Base/4S/Turbo/Turbo S or Tesla models (Tesla requires a J1772 to Tesla Adapter, sold separately). For a full list of compatible models, check out the Full Compatibility List on our product page.
- Indication Displays - LED display that can tell you the status as well as indicate errors while charging your electric vehicle.
An onsite battery can store energy drawn from the grid and discharge during charging peaks. That can reduce instantaneous grid draw and may defer or reduce the need for an upgrade; it cannot supply unlimited energy or remove the need to recharge from the grid. Whether it saves money depends on the site’s service capacity, local tariff, battery size and operating pattern, charger demand, and utility requirements. The 2023 coverage did not publish a representative site financial model, utility interconnection data, station cost, or payback period.
How the announced PowerNode concept worked
- Grid connection: the site draws electricity from its utility service.
- Energy storage: an onsite battery stores energy and can discharge as charging demand rises.
- Software coordination: controls monitor charging demand, grid constraints, and station conditions, coordinating the battery and chargers.
- Vehicle charging: the battery supplements grid power so the station need not draw its entire instantaneous peak from the utility.
Axios reported that the system paired batteries with onsite computing to adapt fast charging to local grid capability. Lee said the approach could reduce the energy needed from the grid for fast charging by a factor of three. The report does not establish a universal, independently measured reduction or define that figure as a site-wide energy, peak-power, or tariff-savings result.
Rank #2
- Road-Trip Ready & Apartment-Friendly: Comes with a 20ft heavy-duty cable that easily spans a standard parking space, plus a NEMA 5-15 adapter for plug and play convenience. Whether you're charging at home or hitting the highway, this portable EV Charger is your ultimate travel companion for weekend getaways and camping trips
- Delay Timer & Adjustable Current: Use the built-in timer to delay your start by 1-12 hours and easily harvest off-peak energy savings. Then pick from 6/8/10/12/16A (Level 2) to match your garage grid. It automatically locks in your favorite setting and never forces you to re-adjust. No complicated apps or Wi-Fi needed, just straightforward, reliable control
- Tactile Buttons & LED Screen: No glitchy smartphone apps or finicky touchscreens that lag, freeze, and misfire in winter. Our EV charger is engineered with a high-definition LED display that tracks critical real-time data, including live voltage and current. Tactile buttons deliver direct, satisfying click feedback that remains highly responsive even when wearing heavy winter gloves or operating in torrential downpours—conditions where standard touchscreens completely fail
- ETL Certified Safety & IP65 All-Weather Shield: ETL certified to meet US safety standards for charging. Engineered with a certified IP65 dust-and-waterproof enclosure and a heavy-duty TPE cable that operates reliably across a wide -22°F to 130°F range. An intelligent multi-protection defense system (GFCI, over-voltage, over-current, surge, short-circuit, and over-temp) keeps a 24/7 watch for 100% safe, unattended overnight charging in any weather
- J1772 Compatible + Dual-Level Charging: Works with all J1772 EVs (Tesla requires a separate J1772 adapter). Level 2: built-in NEMA 6-20 plug. Level 1: included NEMA 5-15 adapter fits any standard outlet. Please confirm your outlet is NEMA 6-20 or 5-15 before purchase
Performance figures were company claims
Electric Era’s claims as reported in August 2023:
- A typical EV could gain 100 miles of range in less than 10 minutes.
- A station could serve more than 100 vehicles per day.
- The system could reduce grid energy needed for fast charging by a factor of three, according to CEO Quincy Lee.
These figures were not presented as independent field benchmarks. Miles added depend on the vehicle, battery state of charge, temperature, charger output, and the vehicle’s charging curve. Daily throughput also depends on session length, simultaneous demand, site traffic, and how the battery is sized and recharged.
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- LEVEL 1 CHARGING - The Lectron Level 1 Charger lets you quickly charge your EV with a standard 120V outlet; You get 15 amps and 1.65 kW of power for the standard full-charge time for your car, at home or at wor
- CONVENIENT OVERNIGHT CHARGING - The Lectron 15 Amp EV Charger is a more affordable and faster charging option compared to other Level 2 EV chargers, delivering an extra 40-50 miles of overnight charge at home — without breaking the bank
- J1772 COMPATIBILITY - This J1772 charger is compatible with all electric vehicles that use the J1772 standard, including BMW, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, Nissan, and Chevy
- SAFE AND RELIABLE - FCC and ETL certified (UL2594 standard) for safety with overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuit protection; Energy Star certified for efficiency; IP65 rated for dust and water resistance
- PORTABLE CONVENIENCE - Whether you're on a road trip or visiting a friend, you can easily plug in your EV and charge with our portable EV charger. Please refer to the included User Manual for complete operating instructions and compatibility requirements
The first site and expansion goal were plans
GeekWire reported that Electric Era expected its first commercial installation at a Plaid Pantry convenience store in Portland, Oregon, the following month. The company also hoped to deploy at convenience stores in nine states by the end of 2023. Those were forward-looking plans in the funding coverage; the cited reports do not establish that either milestone was achieved.
Why convenience stores and quick-service retailers were the target
Retail locations already have parking, customer traffic, lighting, restrooms, and staff. Charging could give drivers a reason to stop and create opportunities for food, drinks, and other in-store purchases. For an operator, the potential business case may combine charging revenue with additional retail visits. Neither source quantified those benefits for Electric Era’s deployments, so they should be treated as possible revenue drivers, not demonstrated returns.
Rank #4
- Universal J1772 Compatibility: Designed with a standard J1772 connector, this J1772 charger works with most J1772 electric vehicles and PHEVs, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Rivian, Ford, Chevy, Volkswagen, Toyota and more. Note: Tesla vehicles require a J1772 to Tesla adapter (not included)
- Flexible Outlet Compatibility: This portable EV charger comes with a NEMA 6-20 plug and a NEMA 5-15/5-20 to 6-20 adapter. Supports Level 1 (8–12A) and Level 2 (16A). Max 12A (1.44kW) on 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets, and full 16A (3.84kW) with a 240V NEMA 6-20 outlet. One charger is designed to cover home, garage, and travel charging needs with reliable performance
- Adjustable Smart Charging Control: Customize charging safely with adjustable current settings (8A/10A/12A/16A) to match different circuits. The 0–12 hour delay timer helps schedule overnight charging during lower electricity rates. Integrated LCD display shows real-time voltage, current, power, and charging status for clear monitoring without apps. Note: Press 'A' or 'T' for 3s to set and confirm.
- Home Charging & Travel Backup: For daily home use while remaining fully portable for travel. This level 1 ev charger includes a durable 25FT ev charging cord, providing flexible reach for garage or driveway charging. Charge overnight to take advantage of lower utility rates—potentially saving up to $500 annually on electricity costs. The included carrying case makes storage easy and keeps a dependable backup charger available in your trunk for road trips or visiting friends
- Engineered For Safety & Durability: Built for dependable daily use, this electric car charger features an IP65 waterproof rating for all weather operation. Equipped with a UL-listed cable, fully rubberized connector, and advanced protection against overcurrent, overheating, and electrical faults. Designed to ensure safe, stable, and long-term charging performance in demanding environments
The buyer is often the retailer, property owner, charging-network operator, or financing partner—not the driver. Each may value something different: store traffic, station utilization, uptime, ownership control, or the ability to limit grid costs. Site economics cannot be inferred from a charger’s kilowatt rating alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the financing does—and does not—show
The round supplied capital and signaled investor interest in battery-supported retail charging. It does not establish profitability, revenue, valuation, station cost, gross margin, reliability, driver satisfaction, or long-term battery economics. The cited 2023 coverage disclosed no battery capacity, representative demand-charge savings, financing terms, maintenance costs, or comparison of utility upgrade costs with and without storage.
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- [LEVEL 1 & 2 CHARGING FOR HOME, BACKUP & TRAVEL] One charger for everyday home charging, road trips, and backup use. This Level 1/2 EV charger supports both 110/120V and 240V power: use the included NEMA 5-15 adapter as a 120V electric car charger, or connect the NEMA 6-20 plug to 240V power for Level 2 charging up to 16A / 3.68kW. Whether kept in your garage or carried in the vehicle, this portable EV charger gives you more charging options when a dedicated charging station is not available.
- [8-16A ADJUSTABLE CURRENT & 1-12H DELAY CHARGING] Unlike fixed-current chargers, YLITES lets you choose 8A, 10A, 12A, or 16A to better match different outlets and charging environments. When connected to a NEMA 5-15 household outlet, current is automatically limited to 12A for appropriate circuit use. The 1–12 hour delay timer lets you schedule charging to start later, making overnight and off-peak charging more convenient. Flexible current control makes it especially practical for garages, older homes, apartments, and travel charging.
- [SAE J1772 COMPATIBILITY, SMOOTH CONNECTION & 25FT TOTAL LENGTH] Compatible with electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids equipped with an SAE J1772 charging inlet, including vehicles from GM, Nissan, Audi, Kia, Honda, BMW, Hyundai, and more. The J1772 connector is designed for smooth insertion and easy release, making everyday charging simple and convenient. With a 25FT total length, this portable EV charger offers flexible reach for garages, driveways, parking spaces, travel, and emergency backup charging. Tesla/NACS vehicles require a J1772-to-NACS adapter, sold separately.
- [SMART TFT DISPLAY & ACTIVE TEMPERATURE PROTECTION] The enhanced TFT color display provides clear real-time charging information, including voltage, current, power, charging status, and temperature. The YLITES temperature management system continuously monitors the plug-outlet connection point and can intelligently reduce current when necessary to help reduce overheating risk. Over-voltage, over-current, leakage, grounding, and insulation protection provide additional safeguards for more reliable daily charging, whether charging on 110/120V Level 1 power or 240V Level 2 power.
- [BUILT FOR SAFE & RELIABLE EVERYDAY CHARGING] Designed for repeated home and on-the-road use, the charger features an IP66 water-resistant enclosure, fire-resistant materials, and multi-layer electrical protection. It is designed to operate in temperatures from −22°F to 122°F, supporting charging in garages, driveways, and changing outdoor conditions. Combining dual-voltage flexibility, a long cable, portable construction, and multiple safety protections, this EV portable charger works as a dependable everyday charger or a convenient backup charging solution.
Battery buffering adds equipment, space, controls, thermal management, maintenance, and eventual degradation or replacement obligations. It still depends on enough grid energy to recharge. Construction, permitting, transformer work, accessibility, payment systems, communications, and field service can also shape the project’s cost and schedule. An advertised power level for one vehicle does not establish what multiple vehicles can receive simultaneously.
Electric Era’s current product positioning
As of August 2026, Electric Era’s website presents a broader portfolio than the 2023 PowerNode announcement: RE400, Base Station, HaloAI, and Command Console. Its current pages describe retailer-focused charging, battery-backed energy management, driver assistance, and tools for monitoring charger status and usage. The company also markets support spanning site design, permitting, implementation, and operations and maintenance. These are current company descriptions, not a retrospective audit of the 2023 deployment plan. See Electric Era’s current site and its RE400 product page.
The company currently describes Base Station configurations at 200 or 400 kW and publishes reliability, deployment-time, and energy-cost figures on its financing page. Those are marketing claims for its current offering; they should not be treated as PowerNode specifications or independently validated results. The company’s current financing page lists direct purchase, equipment financing, charging-as-a-service, and utilization-backed financing, with terms varying by partner, credit profile, and region. It does not display public dollar pricing. Electric Era’s purchasing and financing page explains the models; its station ROI calculator and contact page provide a sales-led path.
Questions a retailer should answer before buying
- Utility capacity: What service exists today, what upgrade would be required without storage, and what power can the battery provide—and for how long?
- Tariff fit: Are demand charges material, how are billing peaks calculated, and can the battery reliably reduce the peak that drives the bill?
- Utilization: How many sessions are realistic for the location, and what happens financially if traffic falls short of forecast?
- Charging mix: How many stalls are needed, what power is available when vehicles charge together, and how does the system respond to simultaneous arrivals?
- Battery obligations: What are the usable capacity, degradation assumptions, warranty, safety provisions, maintenance duties, and replacement terms?
- Reliability: How are first-try success, per-port uptime, and repair time defined? What exclusions apply, and where is field service available?
- Operations and interoperability: Who handles payment authorization, roaming, communications, driver support, cybersecurity, and software updates?
- Ownership and costs: Who owns the hardware and software, pays for electricity and maintenance, receives charging revenue, and bears battery replacement costs?
- Contract flexibility: What are the exit, financing, and replacement terms, and who carries the risk if utilization is lower than expected?
A conventional grid-connected charger, a third-party charging-as-a-service offer, a separately sourced charger and battery, or a utility- or grant-supported project may each suit a different site. Compare total installed cost, utility timeline, service commitments, software interoperability, revenue ownership, battery obligations, and exit terms—not headline power alone.
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