The electric vehicle (EV) sector is undergoing a transformation that extends beyond just offering different modes of transportation; it’s fundamentally redefining the energy landscape. As electric vehicles become more mainstream, the charging infrastructure that supports them is evolving into sophisticated, software-driven platforms that promise to optimize energy usage and revenue streams.
A shift in investment strategy is driving this evolution. With about 3.6 billion euros raised in 2025 for EV startups in Europe alone—alongside an impressive 216 million euros in just the first months of this year—the investment focus is gradually pivoting from physical hardware deployment towards models that emphasize predictable revenue, such as energy optimization and subscription-based services.
Charging-as-a-Service: A New Paradigm
Companies like AMP IT are at the forefront of this movement, adopting a "charging-as-a-service" model that integrates infrastructure with intelligent software solutions. Founded in 2021, the Geneva-based startup has reported double to triple-digit annual revenue growth, backed by a growing demand for its unique offerings. With over 15,000 additional charging points in the pipeline, AMP IT is rapidly carving out its niche in a competitive market.
Florian Mounayer, co-founder of AMP IT, asserts that the hybrid approach—combining hardware with intelligent software controls—distinguishes their business from competitors who often choose to specialize solely in one aspect of the value chain. “By controlling the entire development process, we can quickly address service interruptions and optimize performance in ways that purely hardware or software companies cannot,” he explains.
Market Dynamics Transforming Investment Strategies
As investors gain a clearer understanding of unit economics in this sector, models that demonstrate scalable performance are increasingly in demand. The early funding waves of 2021 and 2022 primarily pursued public EV infrastructure, but there's a noticeable shift now that recognizes the challenges and opportunities in private charging markets—territories AMP IT is eager to explore.
Tyuvildin notes, “If utilization rates are low, it's tricky to justify an investment.” This reality underscores the complexities undertaken by startups entering this arena, where private charging infrastructures often experience more gradual scaling compared to public networks. Their implementation requires intricate coordination with landlords, developers, and energy providers, posing additional hurdles as this hybrid model gains traction.
Beyond Local: Scaling Internationally
The next phase for AMP IT focuses on international expansion, particularly targeting markets where EV adoption is predicted to skyrocket. Mounayer is optimistic, stating, “The growth of EVs is inevitable. Regardless of current statistics, people want low-maintenance vehicles and prefer the cheaper charging options we offer, especially as oil prices continue to rise.”
With operations currently thriving in Switzerland—AMP IT has recorded a threefold increase in energy distributed since last year—the company is eyeing emerging markets in Eastern and Southern Europe. According to Tyuvildin, "These regions have already witnessed explosive growth in EV numbers, positioning us favorably to penetrate those markets." Their entry will likely focus on optimizing existing infrastructure before further scaling.
Addressing Data Utilization in Charging
One significant advantage of AMP IT's integrated model is its emphasis on local renewable energy utilization. By leveraging locally produced energy, the company not only enhances the sustainability of its operations but also optimizes charging flows, which in turn is vital for meeting fluctuating energy demands. This also sets the stage for a more sustainable, resilient charging network that could serve as a scalable model for others in the industry.
Despite the optimism surrounding AMPT IT and similar ventures, challenges remain prevalent. The team recognizes the necessity of adaptation within unique market contexts, which they believe can be fostered by focusing on software capabilities to enhance existing infrastructure. This enables a more strategic, insightful approach to meeting EV charging demands as they evolve.
Instead of viewing EV charging infrastructure merely as points in a network, forward-thinking companies like AMP IT are reshaping it into a platform—a crucial shift that underscores the budding symbiosis between transportation and energy management. As the landscape of EV charging continues to morph, the focus will not just be on building the most charging stations but on creating platforms that intelligently manage energy in a way that aligns economic viability with sustainable practices. The path forward seems clear: Embrace the hybrid model and channel resources towards innovation in both hardware and software integration.
