Green.org sat down with Paul Nijssen, the CEO of EVCharge4U, to learn how they became the premiere Commercial & Residential Electric Car Charging Specialists in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Paul, thank you for being here. Tell us a little about your background:
I am originally from Enschede, in the Netherlands. I came to the U.S. because I was seeking a new challenge after honing my skills in the Dutch Market. I started from scratch, working as an electrician, working my way up. In 2011, I realized I could do things differently, better, and I was ready for a new challenge. I started out on my own, focusing on installing charging stations for electric vehicles that were just rolling out into the marketplace. And it was the perfect fit for me, plus it was something that I was very passionate about.
At the time, electric vehicles were relatively new on the scene, and a very niche market, people thought I was a little crazy focusing on this, but I knew this would be a growing industry. In 2016, I founded my company, EVCHARGE4U Inc., and I have never looked back. 6 years later, I remain down to earth, working in the field with my team on projects, collaborating with them for new and innovative ideas. With over 30 years of industry-leading experience, my expertise and ability to troubleshoot any project has helped countless homes and businesses find safe, efficient, and durable EV Charging solutions. I am so lucky that I am able to continue in a field that I am so passionate about, and I am doing my part to make the world a little greener, one charging station at a time!
What is a fun fact about you?
I love to travel and explore. Going to new places and learning about them, immersing myself in the culture is amazing. One of my favorite destinations is Belize, for scuba diving.
Why do you think climate change and sustainability is such an important topic today?
For years, Governments all over the world were thinking only of themselves, and the lobbyists who paid them. Lowering Greenhouse Gas Emissions from individuals and industries is paramount to healing our earth and getting it back to normal. The wealthiest countries in the world need to stand up and do something about it. The loss of jobs is a major red flag. It’s time we create new jobs, and retain people in positions and trades that will help move the green agenda forward. Not only improving their lives, but everyone else’s as well.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
I envision the majority of gas stations converted to EV Charging destinations; remaining gas stations will have also implemented EV Charging to facilitate long range travel for Electric vehicles. Expansion of Local and State Government funded programs to increase access and adoption of Electric Vehicles.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
Stop idling your gasoline powered car, truck, or bus! Turn the engine off. Those emissions are unhealthy, and they are polluting everyone around you. While you’re waiting at the drive thru, or drop off delivery, the small action of turning the engine off while you wait will have a big impact over time. It’s a simple step that can help save our planet.