JuiceBox EV Chargers to Lose Connectivity Features: Key Changes Ahead

Enel X Way North America Shuts Down JuiceBox EV Business

Enel X Way North America, the owner of the popular electric vehicle (EV) charger brand JuiceBox, has officially announced the closure of its EV business in the United States and Canada. This decision will lead to the termination of connectivity services for both commercial and home hardware associated with JuiceBox chargers.

Closure Date and Immediate Effects

According to a statement released on the JuiceBox website, the shutdown will be effective as of October 11th. However, the company has decided to discontinue all customer support lines “effective immediately.” This abrupt action raises concerns for existing JuiceBox charger owners.

Functionality After Closure

For those who own a JuiceBox charger at home, the immediate future looks a bit concerning. The Enel X Way app, which currently holds a rating of 2.7 stars on the App Store, will be removed following the closure. While homeowners will still be able to charge their electric vehicles (EVs), they will lose the ability to use many valuable features.

Features Discontinued

• Checking charging status and history
• Setting charging schedules
• Viewing energy usage
• Locking the charger for select users

The app’s removal also impacts commercial charging stations that rely on external software for operation, rendering them non-functional.

Background on JuiceBox and Enel

The JuiceBox brand was acquired by Enel in 2017, when they purchased its former owner, eMotorWerks. Since its inception, JuiceBox chargers have been a popular choice among many early adopters of electric vehicles, often being sold in conjunction with various automakers.

Strategic Shift for Enel Group

The decision to close the JuiceBox business comes as part of a strategic refocus for Enel Group. The company plans to shift its attention to building EV infrastructure in countries where it already has an established electricity retail business. This shift highlights the rapidly evolving dynamics of the EV market in the U.S. Over the past year, the market has faced various challenges, including:

• High interest rates increasing the cost of scaling charging infrastructure
• Sustained uncertainty in the EV sales growth expectations

Third-Party Management

As Enel Group steps away from the North American market, it has engaged a third-party firm to manage its affairs in the region. Importantly, the company has stated that its products and services outside of the U.S. and Canada will continue to operate unaffected.

Conclusion

The closing of Enel X Way's JuiceBox division marks a significant shift in the landscape of electric vehicle charging solutions in North America. While customers may find temporary utilities, the long-term future of their JuiceBox chargers appears uncertain without app support or customer service.

As the EV market continues to evolve, it remains essential for consumers to stay informed about changes that may affect their charging infrastructure.