Car companies often collect a lot of data from vehicles, especially electric cars. However, they don’t always give this data back to the owners in a useful way. This can lead to situations where owners unknowingly give away their data without getting much in return.
To address this issue, Ben Schippers created an app called TezLab, which is like Strava for EVs. Initially designed for Teslas, the app has recently expanded to include Rivian vehicles. While TezLab has been around for some time and has been well-received, it has now introduced a new feature called the “car report” for a monthly fee of $5.99 for the Pro subscription.
The car report provides owners with a wealth of data, such as their usage of DC fast chargers compared to home outlets, number of times the car has been charged to 100%, and estimated travel distance based on driving habits. The app also includes visualizations like a map showing possible destinations based on charge level and driving behavior. TezLab uses machine learning to process most of this information before presenting it to the user.
One unique aspect of TezLab’s car report is its comparison feature, which allows owners to see how their data stacks up against other Tesla users. For example, owners concerned about their battery pack’s health can now compare their mileage after a full charge with that of others who own the same model.
TezLab’s development comes on the heels of Tesla releasing an official API for third-party developers, which has allowed Schippers to expand the app’s capabilities beyond simple features like car controls and trip tracking. This partnership with Tesla has enabled TezLab to offer a more comprehensive experience to users.
Although TezLab started with Tesla owners in mind, it has now added support for Rivian vehicles and has plans to include other popular EV brands like Hyundai and Kia in the future. However, expanding to other automakers will require time and resources, as it involves building relationships with each company.
Schippers, who has funded TezLab independently so far, aims to sustain the app’s growth by acquiring more customers and offering the Pro subscription. He emphasized the importance of balancing growth with costs and ensuring that the conversion rate to paid subscriptions remains steady or increases to cover expenses. Overall, Schippers is confident that TezLab is on the right track in achieving this balance.
