First there was music sharing and then car sharing. Now get ready for plug sharing.
Xatori, a Silicon Valley software start-up, aims to create a network of electric car enthusiasts who make their household power outlets and home chargers available for drivers who need to top off their battery or who find themselves out of range of the few public-charging stations currently available.
On Monday, Xatori released PlugShare, a free iPhone app that lets drivers and outlet owners locate and offer electricity.
“We want to break down that barrier in people’s minds about where it’s acceptable to charge,” said Armen Petrosian, Xatori’s co-founder and chief technology officer. “We think the infrastructure to charge is everywhere.”
Drivers can punch in their destination to see the availability of shared outlets as well as public charging stations along their route.
People who want to share their electricity indicate what type of outlet or charger they have, how to gain access and their preferred method of contact. Given that most outlets are located in locked garages or otherwise behind closed doors, Xatori expects plug sharers will ask drivers to schedule a time to charge by calling or sending a text message.
“I think a big positive of using the app is that you get to connect with other E.V. owners,” said Mr. Petrosian.
“People who don’t own an electric car can be part of the electric vehicle revolution,” said Forrest North, Xatori’s chief executive and the founder of Mission Motors, a San Francisco start-up developing an electric motorcycle.
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