WattUp USA Secures $130 Million to Expand Ultra-Fast EV Charging Across the Western US

A California-based electric vehicle charging developer has secured major financing to bring high-speed charging to retail destinations across the Western United States.

On March 12, 2026, WattUp USA announced a minimum $130 million structured capital facility arranged by Founders First Advisory, positioning the company to deploy charging infrastructure at 100 commercial sites in its first phase of expansion.

The company’s approach is straightforward: meet EV drivers where they already are. Rather than building standalone charging destinations, WattUp USA installs ultra-fast DC fast charging stations at shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, and mixed-use developments, locations where customers are already spending 20 minutes to an hour. A quick charge fits naturally into that window without changing anyone’s routine.

“EV charging is a complex industry, and commercial property owners are looking for experienced partners who can execute from site design through electrical interconnection,” said Harshil Goel, Co-Founder and CEO of WattUp USA. “This capital allows us to expand from our pilot sites to a network of hundreds of locations across California, Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington.”

What sets the platform apart is the integration of onsite battery storage with the fast chargers. That combination allows WattUp USA to draw power during off-peak hours, store it, and dispatch it during charging sessions rather than pulling large amounts directly from the grid on demand. The result is lower utility costs, reduced stress on local grid infrastructure, and consistent charging performance regardless of what else is happening on the grid at that moment.

“Retail parking lots are quickly becoming one of the most valuable infrastructure assets in the energy transition,” said Ken Cheng, Co-Founder and COO of WattUp USA. “Our goal is to help landowners and property owners unlock that value and enhance their locations to serve the rapidly growing EV driver community.”

Property owners participate at no upfront cost. WattUp USA takes on the full project scope with a turnkey solution including site evaluation, engineering, permitting, utility coordination, equipment procurement, construction, and ongoing operations, while the property owner receives a new revenue stream and a meaningful amenity for a customer base that is growing every year.

WattUp USA targets locations where people already spend time. By installing charging infrastructure at high-traffic retail and commercial destinations, the company gives EV drivers a practical way to add range without adding a separate stop to their day. Whether a customer is picking up groceries, sitting down for a meal, or grabbing a coffee, the charging session fits naturally into time they were already spending. That alignment between charging and everyday consumer behavior is the foundation of a model designed to deliver lasting value for drivers, businesses, and property owners alike.

“EV charging infrastructure must be deployed thoughtfully and backed by real capital to meet growing demand,” said Corbin Cowan, Chief Executive Officer of Founders First Advisory. “WattUp USA combines experienced leadership with a practical deployment strategy. And with this funding, the company is now well-capitalized to achieve their expansion targets.”

WattUp USA, An Innovative EV Charging Company

WattUp USA is a privately held electric vehicle charging infrastructure company building a national network of ultra-fast charging stations at high-traffic retail and commercial properties. The company works alongside landowners, commercial real estate owners, and site operators to deliver fully managed charging solutions that accelerate the shift to electric transportation while generating durable, long-term value for the properties that host them.

From site selection and battery-integrated infrastructure to professional network operations, WattUp USA handles every layer of the process with one goal: expanding access to reliable EV charging while strengthening the commercial value of every location it serves. For more information, visit WattUpUSA.com.

Founders First Advisory, Built for Founders Who Refuse to Leave Wealth to Chance

Founders First Advisory partners with infrastructure providers, operating companies, and advisory professionals to help business owners identify and act on opportunities that support sustained growth and sound financial planning. The company also brings tax credit opportunities to successful business owners.

Under the leadership of CEO Corbin Cowan, the firm brings a hands-on approach to evaluating financial structures, refining operational strategy, and coordinating advisory resources for executives and business owners navigating complex decisions. For more information, visit FoundersFirst.io.

Retail Destinations Are Ideal for EV Charging Dwell Time, Bringing Additional Profits and Benefits

Dwell time refers to the amount of time a person naturally spends at a location during a typical visit. In the context of EV charging, it is one of the most important factors in determining whether a charging site will succeed. A grocery store visit might last 20 to 40 minutes, a sit-down restaurant an hour or more, and a shopping center trip anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours.

Those windows of time represent a practical opportunity for EV drivers to add meaningful range to their vehicles without going out of their way or waiting around. When charging infrastructure is matched to locations with strong natural dwell time, the charging session becomes a seamless part of an activity the driver was already doing, rather than a separate errand. That is why retailers, restaurateurs, and property owners with high foot traffic are increasingly recognized as ideal hosts for fast charging infrastructure.

Why Ultra-Fast EV Charging with Onsite Battery Storage Is a Smart Move for Retail Destinations

The electric vehicle revolution is reshaping where and how people spend their time, and savvy retail destinations are taking notice. For shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, and mixed-use developments, adding ultra-fast DC fast charging (DCFC) with onsite battery storage is not just an amenity. It is a business strategy.

Ultra-fast DCFC delivers a meaningful charge in minutes rather than hours, which makes it well suited for locations where customers are already stopping. A shopper grabbing groceries, a family sitting down for dinner, or a traveler filling up at a convenience store can add significant range to their vehicle before they leave. The charging session fits naturally into the visit, removing one of the biggest remaining friction points in EV ownership.

Pairing that fast charging with onsite battery storage solves one of the biggest obstacles property owners face: utility demand charges. Without storage, drawing large amounts of power rapidly from the grid can trigger costly peak demand fees. Battery systems absorb energy during off-peak hours and discharge during charging sessions, dramatically smoothing the power draw and reducing utility costs. That savings potential makes the business case much stronger.

From a grid perspective, onsite storage acts as a buffer that reduces stress on local infrastructure, which utilities and grid operators increasingly value. As more EVs hit the road and charging demand grows, destinations equipped with storage will be better positioned to scale without triggering expensive utility upgrades.

There is a competitive dimension as well. EV drivers actively choose destinations based on charging availability. Restaurants and retailers with reliable, fast charging attract a growing and high-spending customer segment, increase dwell time, and build loyalty in ways that standard amenities simply cannot match. In a crowded retail landscape, that distinction matters.

Ultra-fast DCFC with onsite storage is where infrastructure investment, customer experience, and long-term cost management converge, and WattUpUSA is making it happen. Visit the WattUp USA website for more information.

WattUp USA Secures $130 Million to Expand Ultra-Fast EV Charging Across the Western USA California-based electric vehicle charging developer has secured major financing to bring high-speed charging to retail destinations across the Western United States.