Dutch startup Rocsys raises €32.6M to make EV charging fully autonomous

Netherlands-based Rocsys, a provider of autonomous charging solutions for electric transportation, announced on Tuesday, July 11, that it has secured $36M (approximately €32.65M) in a Series A debt and equity round of funding.

The investment was led by SEB Greentech Venture Capital. The round also includes participation from Graduate Entrepreneur, the European Investment Bank, and returning investor Forward.One.

Mikko Huumo, Investment Manager at SEB, says, “Rocsys makes electrification practical for vehicles ranging from personal autonomous cars to continuously operating heavy-duty equipment, a major source of emissions. We are thrilled to lead the company’s funding round and accelerate the sustainable transportation revolution.”

As part of the deal, Rocsys welcomes four new members to its board of advisors, including Mikko Huumo of SEB, Frederik Gerner, and Jan Willem Friso of Forward.One, and new chairperson Dr Gregor Matthies. 

These individuals each contribute decades of experience in the fields of mobility and technology.

Autonomous charging solutions for electric transportation

Founded in 2019 by Crijn Bouman, Joost van der Weijde and Kanter Van Deurzen, Rocsys claims to be an industry leader in self-charging solutions for electric cars and equipment.

The company offers fleets and customers an effective and affordable charging experience by integrating soft robotics, AI-based computer vision, and data-driven services.

By minimising human mistake risk and maximising efficiency, Rocsys says it assures charging dependability while also improving safety by restricting exposure to high-voltage equipment.

Even if drivers forget to plug in on time or employees are barred from handling electrical cables, Rocsys ensures that all vehicles are charged and ready to operate. Rocsys’s solution works for consumer and fleet vehicles, including port equipment, industrial applications, heavy-duty, and more.

Rocsys makes sure that all cars are charged and prepared to go, even if drivers fail to plug in on time or personnel are forbidden from handling electrical wires. The Rocsys system works for both fleet and consumer vehicles, including heavy-duty, industrial, port, and other equipment.

Co-founder Crijn Bouman says, “There’s too much friction in the EV charging process today, creating needless barriers to sustainable transportation. That’s why we created a technology-agnostic solution that converts any charger into a fully automated experience, maximising the return on investment and sustainability impact of already-installed charging infrastructure.”

Major logistics organisations, producers, and multinational enterprises have taken notice of Rocsys, which has resulted in relationships with clients and businesses including Hyster, Taylor Machine Works, and SSA Marine. 

The company also claims to be the driving force behind ROCIN-ECO, a charging consortium comprised of AUDI, Porsche, BMW, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz with an aim to develop robotic fast-charging infrastructure along high-volume European transportation routes.

Capital utilisation

Rocsys says it will use the funds to expand the capabilities of its platform as well as scale its presence in Europe and the US.

The money will support the company’s R&D into additional capabilities including intelligent parking advice, increased software integrations for fleet management and navigation systems, and more remote diagnostics and teleoperations support. 

Additionally, Rocsys intends to increase the capabilities of its North American branch, which is based in Portland, Oregon, to better support local application engineering and customer support while also boosting supply chain and manufacturing operations.