The Broader Application of Mobility Technologies with Josh Bitterman, Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor for IonDynamics Energy
About this episode
Explore the future of mobile energy with Josh Bitterman, co-founder of IonDynamics Energy, as he discusses how portable power is reshaping EV infrastructure. Instead of forcing drivers to find stationary chargers, IonDynamics' autonomous "Flashbot" robot brings DC fast charging directly to parked vehicles. The conversation dives into the massive strain on the electrical grid, the challenges of scaling hardware, and how Detroit's innovation ecosystem is fostering global solutions. Bitterman also highlights how this mobile technology extends beyond vehicles to power emergency sites and remote events.
Josh Bitterman joined Jeannine and Bernard at The Mobility Table to discuss how mobility technologies can extend beyond their intended use and create new opportunities across industries. They explored the need for flexible solutions for infrastructure, how the Detroit Region fosters connections and creates the platform for startups and other organizations to branch out globally.
Josh Bitterman is the co-founder and strategic advisor for IonDynamics Energy. He is also the co-owner and strategic director of Goldfish Swim Schools in Kansas City. Josh has previously served as the president and certified wealth strategist at Insignia Wealth Management.
Josh Bitterman
"So yeah, I'm looking forward to talking to Josh Bitterman from ION Dynamics. In fact, let's bring him on now."
The guest on this episode who co-founded a company that makes mobile robotic chargers for electric vehicles.
Co-founder and Strategic Advisor for IonDynamics Energy, an energy mobility company based in Novi, Michigan. He leads business development and marketing for the firm, focusing on deploying mobile robotic charging solutions.
IonDynamics Energy
"And for this particular company, ION Dynamics, which is an energy mobility company, we're touching all three of those things and helping to solve a real global challenge."
A Michigan-based company that builds mobile, battery-powered robots to charge electric cars wherever they are parked, instead of installing permanent charging stations.
An energy mobility company headquartered in Novi, Michigan, specializing in mobile energy technology and battery storage solutions. They developed the 'Flashbot,' a mobile robotic DC fast charger designed to bypass traditional grid infrastructure constraints.
DC fast charging
"But Flashbot in a nutshell is a mobile DC fast charging robot. Right, it's on wheels and it can move from place to place."
A super-fast way to charge electric cars. Instead of taking hours like a home charger, it can fill up a car's battery in under an hour by pumping electricity directly into it.
The fastest method of charging electric vehicles, utilizing high-voltage direct current (DC) power directly to the vehicle's battery, bypassing the onboard AC-to-DC converter. It typically operates at 50 kW to 350 kW or more, significantly reducing charging times compared to standard AC Level 2 charging.
Detroit Smart Parking Lab
"So Detroit Smart Parking Lab, I believe, I think you were doing some work at the airport as well. We did."
A special parking garage in Detroit where companies can test out new high-tech ideas, like self-driving parking systems and robotic car chargers.
A collaborative testing facility in Detroit, Michigan, established by Ford, Bedrock, Bosch, and the State of Michigan. It allows startups and technology providers to test and demonstrate parking, logistics, and EV charging innovations in a real-world parking structure.
mobile charging
"When you have opportunities to use our technology to provide remote power to charge EVs, to do multi-vehicle charging, and we can flexibly move it around, you think about the asset utilization and the return on investment..."
The idea of bringing a portable battery charger to a parked car, rather than making the car drive to a specific charging station.
An EV charging paradigm where energy storage systems (often on wheels or robotic platforms) are brought directly to a parked vehicle, eliminating the need for dedicated EV parking spaces and costly fixed electrical infrastructure.
Grosse Ile Municipal Airport
"And we're going to be deploying our equipment at the Gross Seal Airport, which is an old Navy site that's getting rehabilitated, reinvigorated with advanced innovation technology."
A historic airport on an island near Detroit that is being used to test new transportation technologies, like electric boats and flying taxis.
A public-use airport located on Grosse Ile, an island in the Detroit River, Michigan. Originally a U.S. Naval Air Station, it is currently being utilized as a testbed for advanced mobility, maritime, and aviation technologies.
eVTOL
"We will also be able to supply charging for EV toll and other advanced mobility solutions."
Electric flying vehicles that can take off and land straight up and down, like a helicopter, but run on batteries.
Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft. These are highly efficient, electric-powered aircraft that can hover, take off, and land vertically, often envisioned for urban air mobility and air taxi services.
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