IONDYNAMICS: INNOVATING ADAPTABLE & COST-EFFECTIVE MOBILE CHARGING AND ENERGY SUPPLY SOLUTIONS
As part of their work through the Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBRC) grant, the Testing and Proving (T&P) pillar team at the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) supported electrical upgrades to the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL) and provided $761,117 in matching fund grants to 12 startups to test their technologies at the DSPL. One grant recipient is start-up IonDynamics Energy, which leveraged the DSPL to validate their autonomous, mobile energy storage and charging robot, the “FlashBot”.
Based in Novi, Michigan, IonDynamics aims to offer flexible and effective DC fast charging for electric vehicles without the need for stationary infrastructure. Its flagship solution, FlashBot, is a mobile DC fast charger that also supports “infrastructure-light” AC Level 2 charging for up to 12 vehicles simultaneously. This innovation helps reduce the expenses and complications associated with conventional EV charging setups, improving scalability and accessibility. Beyond vehicle charging, FlashBot can also serve as a temporary power supply and provide backup power for critical infrastructure, offering a broader set of clean energy applications.
FlashBot, is a mobile DC fast charger that also supports “infrastructure-light” AC Level 2 charging for up to 12 vehicles simultaneously.
Forging new partnerships. Networking at DSPL helped IonDynamics form several valuable partnerships and unlock new collaboration and funding opportunities. For example, after meeting with Seamless Ventures, the program manager for the OFME-supported Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE) at Grand Rapids International Airport, IonDynamics secured a $30,000 grant to test and demonstrate the FlashBot in a real-world airport setting in November 2024. The team also connected with the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation, leading to a collaboration described in the box below.
Validating cost-effective and flexible charging technology. Although IonDynamics was confident in the FlashBot’s capabilities before DSPL testing, the DSPL grant enabled validation across a wider range of vehicle makes and models. Real-world engagement opportunities—such as with the City of Detroit—also gave IonDynamics its first chance to deliver formal training to external FlashBot users.
Showcasing EV charging solutions and building credibility. DSPL-sponsored events and demonstrations gave IonDynamics valuable opportunities to showcase the FlashBot to potential users. Co-founder Josh Bitterman credits DSPL’s support and this exposure with helping build the technology’s credibility as a real solution to key EV charging challenges, ultimately leading to business opportunities with OEMs such as Stellantis and with Eastern Market.
‘THE CONNECT’
AND THE IONDYNAMICS FLASHBOT – WORKING TOGETHER TO TRANSPORT DETROITERS
After a successful pilot from August 2024 through January 2025, Detroit’s free autonomous and fully electric shuttle service which runs 10.8-miles from Corktown to the East Jefferson Riverfront will begin service again in Summer 2025.
Prior to starting this summer’s service, the City of Detroit was facing delays and challenges due to limited infrastructure options for charging The Connect shuttles.
After a DSPL-facilitated introduction to IonDynamics, the start-up and the City found that the FlashBot flexible charging solution could meet the shuttle charging needs while avoiding the time-consuming and costly infrastructure build-out that the City originally faced.
