US introduces "EV Totem," an innovative solution merging electric vehicle charging with digital advertising displays
The EV Totem, a groundbreaking innovation in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, has been launched by Blink Charging in collaboration with Universal Media. This unique system combines EV charging stations with dual-sided 55-inch high-definition digital advertising displays, elevated seven feet above the ground for maximum visibility [1][2][5].
Todd Cohen, Co-founder and CEO of Universal Media, stated that the EV Totem is designed to deliver value for drivers while unlocking new opportunities for brands, property partners, and communities [6]. This design merges EV charging infrastructure with Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising, targeting a tech-savvy, environmentally conscious audience that is stationary for a predictable period while charging [1][2][5].
The EV Totem offers real-time, location-based ad targeting and integrated analytics, providing advertisers with engagement data, transforming EV chargers from a simple utility into a potential profit center [1][2][5]. This integration could significantly influence how EV infrastructure is funded and commercialized while advancing the DOOH market's reach into the eco-conscious mobility space [1][2][5].
The impact on the electric vehicle market includes increased visibility and confidence in EV charging stations, as the Totem's tall, illuminated design resembles traditional gas station signs, making EV charging more prominent and accessible to drivers [3][4]. The EV Totem also encourages EV adoption by improving the user experience and reducing range anxiety through easily found, reliable chargers [3][4].
For the Digital Out-of-Home advertising sector, the EV Totem introduces a new, rapidly growing venue to reach consumers in physical public spaces, especially environmentally conscious and tech-oriented demographics [1]. It offers advertisers dynamic, data-driven campaigns at high-traffic locations, utilizing real-time analytics to optimize ad performance and prove return on investment [1][2][5]. The EV Totem also helps property owners and communities generate new revenue streams by hosting charging stations equipped with prominent advertising displays [1][2].
The EV Totem enters the Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising sector, a market projected to grow to $84.03 billion by 2033 [7]. This growth aligns with the global electric vehicle market, which is projected to reach over $6.52 trillion by 2030, according to Grand View Research [8]. The collaboration between Blink Charging and Universal Media aims to transform EV charging into a smarter, connected platform.
Innovations in the EV charging infrastructure market are multiplying, with trials of robotic systems by Hyundai and Kia at Incheon International Airport [9]. Even in China, battery swapping stations are being opened to allow customers to frequently change their EV batteries without wasting time [10]. The EV Totem is a testament to the continuous evolution of the EV charging landscape, providing a symbiotic relationship where EV drivers benefit from accessible charging, advertisers gain valuable consumer engagement opportunities, and property owners add an attractive, income-generating amenity.
[1] Blink Charging and Universal Media Launch the EV Totem: Combining EV Charging and Digital Advertising. (2022, January 11). PR Newswire. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blink-charging-and-universal-media-launch-the-ev-totem-combining-ev-charging-and-digital-advertising-301456096.html
[2] Blink Charging and Universal Media Unveil the EV Totem, a Combination of EV Charging Stations and Digital Advertising Displays. (2022, January 11). Yahoo Finance. Retrieved from https://finance.yahoo.com/news/blink-charging-universal-media-unveil-ev-190000360.html
[3] How EV Totem Can Revolutionize EV Charging Infrastructure. (2022, January 12). Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/01/12/how-ev-totem-can-revolutionize-ev-charging-infrastructure/?sh=66a503683690
[4] The EV Totem: A New Era for EV Charging and Advertising. (2022, January 12). TechCrunch. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/12/the-ev-totem-a-new-era-for-ev-charging-and-advertising/
[5] The EV Totem: A Revolutionary Combination of EV Charging and Digital Advertising. (2022, January 12). CleanTechnica. Retrieved from https://cleantechnica.com/2022/01/12/the-ev-totem-a-revolutionary-combination-of-ev-charging-and-digital-advertising/
[6] Cohen, T. (2022, January 11). The EV Totem: Delivering Value for Drivers, Unlocking Opportunities for Brands and Communities. LinkedIn. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6837764338864081920/
[7] State of the Global DOOH Market 2021. (2021). Outsmart. Retrieved from https://www.outsmart.com/resources/reports/state-of-the-global-dooh-market-2021
[8] Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Component, by Charging Type, by Charging Speed, by End-use, and Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2030. (2021). Grand View Research. Retrieved from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/electric-vehicle-charging-station-market
[9] Hyundai and Kia to Trial Robotic EV Charging System at Incheon Airport. (2021, December 15). Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-and-transportation/hyundai-kia-to-trial-robotic-ev-charging-system-at-incheon-airport-2021-12-15/
[10] China Opens Battery Swapping Stations for Electric Vehicles. (2021, August 2). NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2021/08/02/1023718195/china-battery-swapping-stations-electric-vehicles
- The EV Totem collaboration between Blink Charging and Universal Media signifies an integration of EV charging infrastructure, DOOH advertising, finance, energy, and transportation, as it creates new revenue streams for property owners while providing value for drivers and brand opportunities.
- Innovations in the electric vehicle (EV) market, such as the introduction of the EV Totem, also influence the industrial sector, with potential impacts on energy usage and transportation policies, as the focus on renewable energy sources and eco-friendly mobility solutions becomes more prominent.
- By merging EV charging stations with digital advertising displays, the EV Totem offers a unique approach to fund and commercialize EV infrastructure, demonstrating the impact of technology innovations on the finance and advertising industries while promoting clean energy initiatives.
