The CEO says the impact of the US trade war and disappearing EV incentives is “minimal.”
One would think that Dcbel, a company whose business revolves around home energy and electric vehicle (EV) charging, would falter under the combined weight of the trade war in the United States and the disappearance of EV incentives in both the US and Canada.
“Energy problems are universal problems.”
Marc-Andre Forget, Dcbel
However, CEO Marc-Andre Forget says there is no cause for concern. He argues that the Montreal firm's centerpiece, the Ara home energy station, which simultaneously manages household electricity and grid-connected electric vehicles, is doing well despite political and market challenges.
“Surprisingly, the impact is minimal,” Forget told BetaKit.
The executive noted that Ara is a home energy product, not just an EV product, and therefore does not rely heavily on EV sales. He also claims that demand is still “growing” worldwide and that Dcbel designed Ara to be viable without relying on subsidies or other assistance. An artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled supply chain provides flexibility.
Federal budget for 2025which includes expanded clean technology tax credits and streamlined research and experimental development (SR&ED), as well as major sovereignty projects, hasn't ruffled Forget's feathers either. He argued that energy regulations are “remarkably similar” around the world, as are issues such as blackouts and simplified electricity controls. “Energy problems are universal problems,” he told BetaKit.
Dcbel was founded in 2015 and has attracted growing interest from investors in recent years, including US$50 million (CAD$70 million) Series B in 2023 and C$55 million round this year it was led by the government-independent Canadian Growth Fund. In September, the company received unspecified funding from Fidelity Investments Canada, which helped expand global production. The company has also partnered with delivery giant UPS at its US logistics center in Louisville, Kentucky.
CONNECTED: Federal government increases funding for electric vehicle charging
At the end of November, Dcbel announced a bi-directional EV charging partnership with Volvo and its sister brand Polestar. Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 drivers in the US can connect their electric SUVs to Ara to power their homes during multi-day power outages. Forget called the partnership “great” and said it didn't take long for the companies to integrate their technologies.
The CEO also saw it as a prelude to a promising 2026. There will “absolutely” be more partnerships with automakers, he said, and the Louisville center will play a key role as Dcbel gradually expands U.S. product availability nationwide.
And yes, Canada will remain important in the future. While consumers will have to “stay aware” of such partnerships with Volvo and Polestar, Forget said Dcbel will “follow the leadership” of Canadian governments as it grows in its homeland.
“I can assure you that we will live in Canadian homes,” he added.
Images courtesy of Dcbel.
