Deseret News | Utah’s EVject aiming to make EV charging safer
Deseret News explores EVject's mission to improve the EV charging landscape.
Electric vehicle adoption in the U.S. is surging, with over 3.3 million EVs on the road as of 2023—a number expected to grow as public charging infrastructure expands. Alongside this growth, unique challenges at charging stations are emerging, especially in remote or isolated locations.
Utah-based startup, EVject, has developed a groundbreaking solution for driver safety: a breakaway charging connector that empowers drivers to safely drive away from a charger in emergencies without exiting their vehicles. Inspired by personal experiences and safety concerns, this innovation addresses a critical gap in EV safety standards, similar to breakaway mechanisms at gas stations.
The need for such solutions is evident, with public chargers more than doubling since 2020 and many located in secluded or poorly lit areas. The EVject connector provides peace of mind in scenarios ranging from encounters with wildlife to criminal incidents or charger malfunctions. As EV adoption accelerates, EVject is paving the way for broader safety standards and anticipates its technology becoming a required feature for EVs. With $4 million in funding and ongoing collaborations with manufacturers, EVject is transforming how EV drivers approach safety at charging stations, creating a safer future for all.