Munich Startup: Who are you and what does ‘Einfach E-Auto’ do?‚? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
Julian Feser: 'Einfach E-Auto' is an online platform that makes getting started with electric mobility for new car customers as easy as booking a package holiday.
In addition to a free, innovative needs assessment based on artificial intelligence (AI), we offer our customers a tailor-made e-mobility package including an electric car, wallbox, installation, charging tariff, subsidies, electricity tariff and e-car insurance.
All roads led to e-mobility
We, the founders—Konstantin Dietzel (30), Sebastian Dietzel (28), Dennis Lindauer (29), and I, Julian Feser (28), have known each other for over 17 years. We have now all completed our studies and gained some professional experience. The exciting thing is that our paths have all led us into e-mobility.
After completing his engineering studies at Munich University of Applied Sciences, Dennis worked for Tesla in California for three years. During my studies at the Technical University of Ingolstadt, I worked in Digital Energy Solutions, a joint venture between BMW and Viessmann. The company specializes in smart charging solutions for the B2B sector. Konstantin completed his master's degree in Finance and Strategy at the University of St. Gallen and wrote his thesis on digital business models in the energy and automotive sectors. And our techie, Sebastian, already worked on scalable software solutions at BMW while studying Business Analytics and Data Research at the WFI in Ingolstadt.
AI-based answers instead of doubts about e-mobility
Munich Startup: What problem does your startup solve?
Julian Feser: Through our own experiences, conversations with friends, and exchanges with customers, we've noticed that many people are interested in electromobility. Inaccurate information about the range and costs of electric cars, new topics such as charging solutions and charging options, and the lack of competent contacts are currently preventing private customers from switching to an electric car.
We provide customers with answers and solutions to questions like: 'Which electric car is right for me? How much range do I need? Can I go on vacation with an electric car? Where can I charge my electric car? How does a wallbox work? Do I need a special electricity tariff? What incentives are available?'
With the founding of 'Einfach E-Auto', AI-based demand assessment, and a customized e-mobility package, we help our customers get started with e-mobility without worry. Furthermore, with us, they have a competent and independent contact person at their side throughout, who is familiar with all the details of e-mobility. This saves a lot of time and stress.
Getting through the crisis well thanks to a digital business model
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Julian Feser: Of course, we don't operate in a vacuum. There are various online providers that offer digital sales of new cars. However, they only offer the car itself and none of the other elements associated with electric mobility, such as location analysis, wall boxes, charging cards for on-the-go charging, or green electricity contracts. These providers are purely concerned with the sale of the car – product advice and customer service are nowhere to be found here.
The first energy suppliers are offering individual components of the value chain with electricity contracts and charging solutions, but rely almost exclusively on analog processes. Furthermore, customization is lacking; there is a predefined package, regardless of whether it fits or not. Some automobile manufacturers also offer downstream products, but these are obviously only available to customers of their own brand and usually come with a significant price premium. We advise our customers independently and offer them all brands tailored to their needs.
Munich Startup: What have been your three biggest challenges so far?
Julian Feser: I would say, as with many startups, landing and managing the first customer was a major challenge. Then there was the further development and completion of the platform. And of course, the coronavirus crisis, which is putting the entire industry under considerable pressure. Our advantage is that we rely on a digital business model, which allows us to support our partners in their digitalization and help them with our expertise during these difficult times.
'Simply electric car' is gaining momentum
Munich Startup: How are things going? Can you give us some facts and figures?
Julian Feser: Business is gradually gaining momentum and is growing at a similar pace to the number of electric vehicle registrations. We've spent the last year primarily understanding customer needs, revising our website, and discussing with our partners how we can get e-mobility on the road even faster.
Since July 2020, we have also been actively engaging with customers and expanding our marketing and sales activities. In July, we ran a very exciting commercial leasing campaign with the Renault branch in Munich. Within 24 hours, 39 Renault Zoes found new owners. The campaign went so well that we are currently in discussions for another, larger campaign with a larger contingent of vehicles.
Munich Startup: How do you rate Munich as a startup location?
Julian Feser: Munich has all the necessary prerequisites. Excellent universities, a thriving economy with international companies and SMEs. We also have sensational leisure opportunities here to recharge our batteries. I think that's why the scene continues to grow. The opportunities to make the right contacts and exchange ideas with other founders are also constantly improving. That's why we're very satisfied with Munich as a startup location.
Munich Startup: Public transport or bicycle?
Julian Feser: Definitely a bike!
