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The Juicebox Unplugged: What You Need to Know About the Enel X Way Shutdown

The Juicebox Unplugged: What You Need To Know About The Enel X Way Shutdown

If you’re the proud owner of a Juicebox EV charger, we have some news that might cause a little jolt. Starting November 1st, Enel X Way is closing the app that powers its popular Juicebox EV chargers. Yeah, we know – it’s kind of a big deal. And if you’re sitting there, scrolling through your app to check how much juice is left in your car, you might want to pay attention.

Let’s break down what this means, what’s next, and how to handle the power shift (pun intended).

So, what’s happening?

Enel X Way, the company behind the Juicebox chargers, announced that they’re pulling the plug on their app that helps manage the chargers remotely. If you own a Juicebox charger, you probably use the app to monitor charging status, set charging schedules, and track your energy usage. But come November, that app will no longer be functional.

Why the shutdown? According to Enel X Way, they’re closing operations in the U.S. due to “changes in market conditions.” It sounds like they’re rethinking their approach to the EV market. Their focus will be on “other strategic markets,” which, spoiler alert, means they’re stepping away from the U.S. (at least for now).

What does this mean for you?

If you’ve got a Juicebox at home, the biggest change will be losing the app functionality. That means no more remote access to control your charger, schedule sessions, or track usage. But, take a deep breath — your Juicebox will still work. You can still charge your EV, but you’ll need to do it the old-school way by manually plugging it in and watching it charge.

Also, if you’re subscribed to Enel X’s JuiceNet platform (where the app lives), that subscription is likely going pooftoo. It’s time to start thinking about alternatives if you’re into techy features like remote access and monitoring.

Can you still use your Juicebox?

Absolutely. Your Juicebox isn’t just a fancy-looking brick. While you won’t have app control, the charger itself will still deliver the same performance. It’s just going to require a little more hands-on management. Basically, you’ll need to manually unplug it once your car’s full and check in with your car’s dashboard to track progress.

But if you’re someone who loves convenience (and who doesn’t?), this might be a bummer.

What’s next for Enel X Way?

Enel X Way has stated that they’re not entirely done with EV chargers. The company said it remains “committed to sustainability and innovation,” but they didn’t elaborate much on future plans for U.S. customers. So, while they may re-enter the U.S. market down the road, for now, it’s sayonara.

They’ve also mentioned that they’re evaluating how to wind down support for existing customers. They’ll be offering refunds and addressing how the shutdown affects warranties and returns. If you’ve got questions about your Juicebox warranty or need help with the next steps, now’s a good time to contact them.

Your options moving forward

  1. Ride it out with your Juicebox
    You can keep using your Juicebox — it still works, after all. You’ll just be without the app’s bells and whistles. For some people, that might not be a big deal. Charging your car manually? No problem. But for others, the loss of smart features could be a dealbreaker.
  2. Look for a replacement charger
    If you can’t live without remote access and smart charging capabilities, it might be time to shop around for a new charger. There are plenty of alternatives out there like the ChargePoint Home Flex or Tesla Wall Connector. Both of these options offer smart features, including app access, energy tracking, and flexible charging schedules. Plus, they’re not going anywhere.
  3. Wait and see what Enel X Way offers
    If you’re patient (or just really love your Juicebox), you could wait and see if Enel X Way rolls out new options or programs. Maybe they’ll come back with a new app or offer a transition plan for their customers. Or, maybe not. But hey, it’s worth keeping an ear to the ground.

How to handle the transition

If you’re feeling a little frazzled by the news, don’t worry. Here’s what you can do to make the transition smoother:

  • Check your email – Enel X Way has been sending out notifications to Juicebox owners, so you should have already received instructions on what to expect.
  • Contact support – If you have questions about your warranty, app shutdown, or what to do next, now’s the time to contact Enel X Way’s customer support team.
  • Consider your charging needs – If you’re happy with a manual setup, no need to make a move. But if you’re all about that smart home life, start researching other chargers and see what fits your needs.

The takeaway

The Juicebox app shutdown is a bummer, but it’s not the end of the world. Your Juicebox charger will still function without the app, even if it loses a bit of its shine. Now’s the time to decide if you’re okay with a simpler, less-connected charging experience, or if you’re ready to explore other smart EV charger options.

It’s a good reminder that technology can change fast, and being prepared to pivot is always a smart move. So, whether you stick with your Juicebox or make the switch to a new charger, your EV is still going to get the juice it needs.

For more updates on all things EV and sustainability, stay plugged into eveelife! Sign up for our E-Newsletter and follow evee Life on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on EV technology.

Sources:

By evee Life Contributor

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