Deftpower bags €12.5m for AI software that predicts the cheapest time to charge EVs

Deftpower, a Netherlands- and Germany-based startup developing AI-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging software, has raised €12.5m in a funding round led by Endeit Capital.

Existing investors Proeza Ventures, 4impact capital, Rethink Mobility, and angel investor Jan Fredriks also participated.

The funds will be used to expand Deftpower’s presence across Europe and enhance its AI-driven “smart charging” technology, which aims to optimise EV charging times to coincide with low energy prices and higher renewable output.

Predicting the cheapest time to charge

Deftpower was founded in 2020 by Jacob van Zonneveld, Marc Diks, and Remco Tjeerdsma.

The company says its software can anticipate when a driver is likely to need a charge by analysing data such as battery level, past driving patterns, and expected departure times – information users share via its app.

With the help of AI, it then schedules charging for times when electricity is cleaner and cheaper, often before the car is even plugged in. The company claims this can shift most charging away from peak hours, easing pressure on the grid.

Deftpower makes money by licensing its platform to mobility service providers, helping them generate additional revenue by shifting charging to times when electricity is cheaper or can be sold back to the grid.

Exisiting customers include car manufacturer Fisker and leasing company Athlon.

'Backbone' technology

Endeit Capital, which focuses on AI-driven companies, described Deftpower as a “backbone” technology for Europe’s energy transition. “Their AI-driven approach is exactly what the energy transition needs at scale,” said partner Sara Resvik.

The company is operating in a growing but competitive EV charging software market, which includes players such as Monta, Driivz, and ChargeLab.

With Europe’s power grids under increasing strain due to electrification, Deftpower is positioning itself as a solution that eases peak-time demand and boosts grid resilience.

The raise follows a €2.5mn grant from the EU’s EIC Accelerator in 2023.