Stephan Röß is a transformative force in the world of green technology, a seasoned professional with a journey deeply rooted in automotive excellence. He is the dynamic Founder and CEO of AI-Charge Technologies, a visionary startup at the forefront of revolutionizing intelligent charging for electric vehicles.
Stephan’s extensive experience spans over 20 years in the automotive electrical industry, where he began his managerial journey at the age of 19 in quality management. His commitment to innovation led him to Continental, now Vitesco Technologies, where he played a pivotal role in developing embedded control units for the powertrain, contributing significantly to the rapid global development of the business.
Not content with merely contributing, Stephan’s dedication to growth led him to quality management, honing his methodical skills and achieving the prestigious status of a Master Black Belt Six Sigma. This journey inspired a pivotal shift to business development, laying the groundwork for the creation of his brainchild, AI-Charge Technologies.
As the CEO and Founder of AI-Charge Technologies, Stephan has embarked on a mission to revolutionize the landscape of intelligent electric vehicle charging. In 2022, alongside Dr. Hans-Jörg Wiehoff, he founded this groundbreaking company based in Regensburg, Germany. AI-Charge Technologies is not just another startup—it is a guiding light for sustainable charging and energy management offering a cross-platform app and an intelligent wall-box that economically and ecologically benefits electric vehicle owners. Stephan’s narrative is one of continuous innovation, from quality management to business development, culminating in the creation of AI-Charge Technologies.
Let’s dive into the relentless commitment to shaping the future of electric mobility and stepping forward one intelligent charge at a time!
Powering Progress
AI-Charge Technologies, driven by the vision of ‘#Energy #Efficient #Emotion,’ is on a mission to evoke emotions in customers by using energy as efficiently as possible and ultimately benefiting the world economically and ecologically. Stephan encapsulates this vision, stating, “Using energy as efficiently as possible triggers emotions in customers and everyone in the world benefits economically and ecologically.”
Their commitment aligns seamlessly with the joint resolution of the COP28 conference, emphasizing a holistic approach. “Our mission is to develop the world’s most sustainable charging station and the most intelligent energy management system for electric vehicles,” Stephan declares, highlighting the ambitious goal that drives the company forward.
The foundation of AI-Charge Technologies rests on artificial intelligence, a platform approach and digital service interfaces grounded in extensive academic and scientific research. Stephan emphasizes the key focus areas, stating, “The focus is on functions for solar optimized charging, bidirectional charging, fleet network charging as well as billing systems with dynamic electricity prices.” The commitment to innovation is evident, with plans for 20 different functions for bidirectional charging alone.
Recognizing the transformative potential of digitalization in the energy transition, Stephan notes, “Digital technologies for smart charging of electric vehicles offer many opportunities to create a sustainable, efficient and grid-stabilizing system.” Looking ahead to 2030, with a projected total storage capacity of around one terawatt hour, electric vehicles are poised to reshape the future energy market, a prospect Stephan believes holds enormous potential to positively impact climate change.
As AI-Charge Technologies positions itself for the future, Stephan reflects on the values of the global community and the overwhelming support received. “Our vision for the next decades is well positioned, emphasizing the values of the global community for which we always get a great deal of support in companies,” he states, highlighting the collaborative spirit that propels their journey towards a more sustainable and efficient future.
Sustainability Visionary
Stephan is renowned for his perfectionism and achievements in quality management as a Master Black Belt who has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. “Quality is an attribute of the mind,” he affirms, reflecting on his commitment to achieving excellence in powertrain control units.
His influence on increasing the robustness of automotive powertrain control units is significant, with his current knowledge suggesting the feasibility of electronics with a service life of 50 years. However, he notes, “were it not for the issue of sustainability.”
Stephan’s foresight into the role of artificial intelligence in the 21st century has been a driving force for over a decade. Artificial intelligence will be one of the key technologies, backed by extensive research in engineering, market analyses and system analyses. Through these projects, he has demonstrated an ability to create new, improved and simplified systems using artificial intelligence.
Utilizing AI for virtual sensors, social media market analysis and strategic technology management, Stephan has played a pivotal role in developing sustainability and digitalization strategies for Vitesco earning various innovation awards that underline his pioneering spirit.
With AI-Charge Technologies, Stephan is now forging an ecosystem for the intelligent charging of electric vehicles. “The algorithms developed show a better performance compared to industry giants in the automotive sector and energy management,” he states showcasing the tangible impact of artificial intelligence on the cutting-edge solutions offered by his startup.
Inspired by Giants
In the realm of the automotive industry, challenges are aplenty, with sustainability and digitalization at the forefront. Stephan acknowledges the complex landscape, stating, “Environmental friendliness, scarcity of resources and recycling as well as changes in mobility behavior, autonomous vehicles, safety, and regulatory requirements confront the automotive industry.”
AI-Charge Technologies adopts a distinctive user-centered approach, crafting an ecosystem around the charging of electric vehicles. Stephan clarifies their unique perspective, noting, “We are not developing a wall-box but a smart-box that is more like a smartphone than a cell phone.” The emphasis on sustainability and digitalization is paramount in the charging station sector, instilling confidence that their vision and mission will endure.
Recognizing the need for close coordination between hardware and software, Stephan emphasizes the significance of a cross-platform app that serves customers in the smart home, smart city and smart grid sectors. The hardware and software portfolio must be closely coordinated, underlining the pivotal role of integration for a seamless user experience.
For Stephan, playing a key role in defining the company’s technology roadmap and driving further product development is imperative. “Only by combining useful technologies in a hardware and software platform can the best synergy effects be created in the ecosystem,” he states, drawing inspiration from industry giants like Apple and Amazon. The question he poses is compelling, “Why shouldn’t it be possible to do the same in the automotive industry?” As AI-Charge Technologies navigates the intricate intersection of technology and mobility, Stephan’s commitment to innovation and user-centric solutions remains steadfast.
Learning from Mistakes
Stephan believes that navigating roadblocks requires a firm commitment to principles and clarity. “Honesty and transparency have always paid off for me,” he emphasizes. The art of overcoming challenges, according to Stephan, lies in a persistent dedication to working on a topic in the long term and remaining open to changes in the solution process. “The will to work on a topic in the long term and to be open to changes in the solution process is what characterizes it,” he notes.
Setting a clear goal is crucial, but Stephan underscores the need for flexibility in finding solutions. He is advocating for creativity to develop different concepts and, ideally, identify the best approach for the challenge at hand. For longer-term challenges, he recommends a continuous strategic and methodical analysis to achieve optimal transformation and successfully meet the overarching challenge.
Sustainable Elegance
For several years, Stephan has been at the forefront of developing technology strategies, emphasizing the key is to be well-versed in all fields of technology and to deepen key technologies. His approach revolves around combining factors and transferring scientific knowledge to craft solutions that are ‘more intelligent, more efficient and more sustainable.’
Conversing digitalization, sustainability and design perfection, AI-Charge Technologies stands out with its smart wall-boxes and charging stations. Stephan underscores their commitment, stating, “We rely on life cycle engineering and circular economy approaches to make the hardware as sustainable as possible and to enable a very long service life.” The result is a design that seamlessly fits into UNESCO World Heritage Cities while also complementing the aesthetics of modern architect-designed villas.
The bidirectional charging functions for electric vehicles play a pivotal role in actively integrating vehicles as energy sources in the smart home or smart grid. Stephan emphasizes, “Our core functions controlled by AI enable an increase in efficiency in solar or bidirectional charging contributing to overall efficiency.”
In the pursuit of energy efficiency and resource reduction, AI-Charge Technologies leverages cutting-edge technologies. “We use GaN semiconductors, bionic structures, 3D printing, and edge computing,” Stephan notes highlighting their innovative approach. Through these green high-tech technologies, the company not only enhances efficiency but also solidifies its commitment to sustainability. As AI-Charge Technologies continues to pioneer in the electric mobility landscape, Stephan’s dedication to intelligent, efficient and sustainable solutions remains steadfast.
Adapting and Evolving
Stephan envisions shaping the startup into an innovative market player with a future potential for an IPO. In order to achieve this goal, various technology modules still need to be developed, he asserts, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to technological advancements.
The journey ahead involves finalizing and adapting other hardware variants for different markets. Stephan notes that numerous functions still need to be added to the software platform, highlighting the constant evolution in the race to develop the most intelligent charging and energy storage functions for electric vehicles.
In the dynamic landscape of bidirectional charging, communication standards are continuously evolving. Stephan acknowledges the need to technically develop and adapt to the ecosystem to explore new business models that align with the ever-changing standards.
Throughout these innovations, Stephan’s focus is on ensuring climate-neutral electromobility and delivering tangible benefits for the end customer. “Everything must contribute to the goal,” he affirms, encapsulating the holistic approach AI-Charge Technologies adopts in their quest to revolutionize electric mobility and make a lasting impact on the market.
Sustained Success
For startups, fostering a culture of innovation is paramount for long-term success. The founders of AI-Charge Technologies embody this ethos, with Stephan emphasizing, “We lead by showing the way for innovation and involving everyone in it.” Their commitment extends to open and transparent communication promoting the exchange of ideas and generating multiple solution ideas in the early stages.
AI-Charge Technologies actively encourages collaboration and networking with external partners, universities and organizations to propel long-term innovation. Stephan underscores this approach, stating, “We promote exchange, cooperation and networking with external partners, universities and other organizations in order to drive innovation forward.”
Continuous learning is ingrained in their culture, accompanied by the use of agile methods. Stephan encapsulates this mindset, noting, “Our culture of seeing mistakes as learning opportunities rounds off our spirit.” In this way, AI-Charge Technologies not only navigates innovation through a new lens but also embraces a resilient culture that positions them for sustained competitiveness and success.
A Timeless Vision
The carefully chosen vision, #Energy #Efficient #Emotion, encapsulates AI-Charge Technologies’ commitment to a sustainable economy. Stephan underscores its significance, stating, “The vision has been chosen very carefully and is a good long-term representation of the transformation process towards a sustainable economy.”
Reflecting on the historical use of fire as energy for over 100,000 years, Stephan emphasizes the urgency of the present moment, noting, “We now have just 25 years to create a sustainable planet that meets people’s needs.” This sense of urgency propels the company’s dedication to core values for a sustainable and intelligent system approach well into the future.
As a green high-tech startup, AI-Charge Technologies is poised to leverage its competencies in mobility and energy. Stephan envisions the company’s trajectory, stating, “For the first time, we will push all our competencies in the field of mobility and energy while Fwe are open to developing further business models in the long term.”
Education, Expertise and Beyond
“For professionals, attention to detail is different,” asserts Stephan, emphasizing the unique perspective that industry experts bring to their work. His advice for those aspiring to excel in automotive technology or engineering is clear, “Invest in education and expertise.” A solid understanding of the industry is deemed critical highlighting the importance of a strong foundation.
Stephan encourages professionals to be proactive, stating, “Try to drive trends and be open to innovation.” This proactive approach is key in a rapidly evolving industry where staying ahead of the curve is imperative. He also advises individuals to develop soft skills and build a good network recognizing the significance of effective communication and relationship-building in the professional sphere.
Ultimately, Stephan underscores the paramount importance of customer-centric innovation, stating, “Always have the customer in mind to bring your innovation to the market in the best possible way.” This customer-centric approach ensures that innovations meet the needs of the market effectively.