Fixing EV Charging in America: Building Better Networks with Chris Kaiser from PlugIn

In this episode of In-Between Charges, Kevin and Mike welcome Chris Kaiser, founder of PlugIn and longtime clean energy advocate. Chris shares his journey from energy-efficient lighting to launching his own EV charging network, which is built on reliability, a great driver experience, and, now, the Monta platform. His story offers a candid look at what it takes to build a charging business in the U.S. from the ground up.

They dive into why many early charging efforts failed, the dominance of Tesla and ChargePoint, and why Chris believes ownership and accountability are key to long-term success. He explains how metrics like PlugShare scores and kWh per day guide his team’s approach, and how pairing strong software with trusted hardware is helping Plug In grow.

The conversation also covers the uncertain policy landscape, including tax credits and NEVI funding, and why Chris remains optimistic. His belief is simple: EVs are just better—and that’s what will drive adoption forward. If you care about the future of charging in the U.S., this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Happy charging!