Pluq partners with Road to scale with confidence

Meet Pluq: a dedication to growth

Founded in 2019, Pluq has established itself as a leader in the installation and operation of EV charging infrastructure. Through its Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) model, Pluq enables property owners to host EV chargers without any upfront investment, instead sharing in the profits. Operating in six countries, Pluq serves hundreds of locations across its rapidly expanding network, managing thousands of charging stations for businesses in the real estate, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.

To manage this complex international network, Pluq doesn't use a standard front-end solution; instead, it integrates core backend services directly into its own custom platform. This requires a partner that offers a robust CPO platform, flexible invoicing services, and reliable helpdesk support, all accessible through a powerful and well-documented API. However, as their ambitions grew, they discovered their existing software was somewhat limiting their potential.

Executive summary

Facing a roadblock to their ambitious vision with a rigid and unresponsive platform, EV charging leader Pluq returned to Road. With a flexible platform and a partner who could innovate at speed, Pluq regained focus on growth, improved the charging experience for customers, and secured a partnership built to scale.

The challenge: when a platform can't keep up with ambition

As Pluq scaled, their ambition to build a smart, efficient, and automated charging network faced a couple of roadblocks. As their network expanded, they needed a platform with a more robust API and deeper integration capabilities than their partner could provide. This made extracting critical data cumbersome and blocked their ability to build custom automation tools, hindering their operational efficiency at scale.

The core issue wasn't just technical. "We can be pretty demanding when it comes to data," explains Pieter Zijlema, Pluq. "Our chargers were running, but if a partner can't deliver on your ambition, it starts to wear on you."

To maintain the high standard of customer service, Pluq required a more collaborative partnership and direct and responsive communication channels. Their fast-paced operations depended on resolving any network issues in hours, not weeks, which meant they needed a partner who shared their sense of urgency and forward-thinking vision.

The solution: a partnership built on communication and speed

Pluq had worked with Road in their early days but left when Road was still in its growth phase and could not yet provide the advanced innovations and features that Pluq needed. However, as their operational needs continued to evolve, Pluq recognised that Road's platform had matured significantly and was now aligned with their ambitious vision. When they needed to return the difference was immediate and profound.

Why Road was the right choice

The most significant improvement wasn't a feature, but the partnership itself. "The communication was so much better," notes Pieter Zijlema. With direct access through a shared Slack channel, questions were addressed promptly, a stark contrast to their previous experience. "Being constantly kept up to date on improvements and innovations was a refreshing experience for the team internally."

How Road delivered

When Pluq needed a critical feature, like advanced custom pricing and QR code solutions, Road's team delivered.

The results: reliability, confidence, and proven capability

The switch back to Road has armed Pluq with the confidence and tools to pursue it's growth strategy aggressively. The results of the partnership are foundational to their operations and future ambitions.

Key achievements:

1) Achieved 200% annual growth in charging transactions, demonstrating rapid network adoption and utilisation.

2) Maintained 99.98% network uptime, ensuring a highly reliable and seamless charging experience for end users.

3) Successfully managed a complex charging network across 6 European countries, handling diverse grid requirements and regulations.

Qualitative benefits:

1) Renewed trust and partnership: the most impactful result has been the shift to a true partnership model built on open communication and mutual respect.

2) Absolute reliability: As Zijlema puts it, "it just has to do its thing. Reliability must come first.

3) Confidence to innovate: With a reliable and flexible partner, Pluq now has the operational stability and confidence to focus on enhancing the customer experience and executing its long-term strategy.

Looking ahead: scaling smart with a trusted partner

Pluq's vision for the future is clear and ambitious. The partnership with Road is central to achieving it.

Over the years their strategy has shifted to large scale commercial real estate players. This includes a major expansion into the French and German market. This ambitious, large scale vision requires a robust and future proof software partner to succeed.

Beyond operational scaling, the partnership also focuses on the customer experience. This requires a platform with deep white label capabilities, allowing them to build their brand identity at every touchpoint.

Ready to partner with a platform that can keep up with your ambition? Book a demo with Road today to see how we can help you scale.