Move began developing its charging equipment management platform in 2018 when Brazil’s charging infrastructure remained rudimentary and sessions were not yet monetized. The company now connects over 3,000 charging units from more than 50 brands to its platform, predominantly in Brazil but also supporting Colombia’s largest public charging network. Residential charger installation represents the primary entry point for integrators, particularly those already active in solar photovoltaic systems. Cunha notes that for companies installing solar systems, chargers represent a relatively straightforward addition when specific technical standards are observed.
Condominium installations require substantially more complex approaches. With multiple users and limited electrical capacity, projects must assess existing demand and simultaneous charging scenarios, creating opportunities for capacity analysis, electrical engineering and load balancing systems. The commercial proposition shifts from equipment supply to comprehensive charging solutions incorporating software and infrastructure management. Public segment possibilities expand further to include equipment installation, importation and distribution, manufacturer representation, network maintenance and operation. Companies originally focused on solar are beginning to migrate into this market and establish proprietary charging networks.
Grid connection authorization has emerged as a critical constraint mirroring challenges already limiting photovoltaic growth. Completed charging infrastructure projects with transformers installed remain inoperative for months awaiting utility connections. One case tracked by Move involved a project installed for eight months without connection completion, directly impacting financial returns and operational timelines. Cunha identifies integration with distributed generation as a potential pathway to circumvent some grid limitations, noting that alignment between solar generation periods and charging demand could enable projects with reduced grid dependence. While no grid-zero charging projects have been implemented, the technical feasibility exists and could benefit solar installations facing injection constraints.
Battery storage deployment at charging stations could reduce capacity expansion requirements and serve peak demand without requiring instantaneous full power delivery from the grid. This approach becomes particularly relevant as vehicles and chargers operate at higher power levels, with systems under development capable of delivering up to 1 MW to a vehicle—capacity unlikely to be directly available from urban grid infrastructure in many locations.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
