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UPDATE: After backlash, JuiceBox reached an agreement with a software provider that will allow customers and clients to use the JuiceBox software and mobile app "for an extended period." The announcement came on Oct. 11, the day of its North American business closure.
JuiceBox parent company Enel X Way is now soliciting bids from companies that want to take over its software and possibly keep it alive post-auction.
Original Story (10/4):
It's been a rough week for those with a JuiceBox EV charger in their garage or business.
The company that makes the charger, Enel X, is shutting down operations in the US and Canada, effective Oct. 11. The website—juiceboxnorthamerica.com—no longer lists any products, just a message regarding the abrupt closure.
"After careful consideration, Enel X Way North America has decided to close its electric mobility business in the US and Canada," the message reads. Parent company Enel is based in Italy and operates in 28 countries.
Enel X cites a change in its strategy to focus on countries where the company also operates "an electricity retail business," which it does not in the US or Canada. It also says "the dynamics of the EV market in the US have changed quite a lot in the last year," with slower growth and high interest rates.
Although JuiceBox chargers will "maintain the physical operating ability to charge vehicles," the software that powers connected features and the Enel X Way app will shut down. The JuiceBox app will be removed from app stores, and customers will no longer receive customer support.
On an archived version of its JuiceBox 40 product page, the company claimed it was a "best-seller...enjoyed by thousands of satisfied EV drivers." It has since emailed those customers, who are, understandably, not taking the news well.
"I have two JuiceBox 40 chargers," says one customer on a Kia EV forum. "I am shocked that my purchase will not only not have any support, but most of the valued features will be gone."
"This is horrible news," adds another customer. "The charger will essentially be useless."
Another customer says they reported the decision to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
PCMag reached out to Enel X for comment about customer compensation. The company says a claims page will be posted "in the coming days," but it "can't share any further information" beyond the message it already posted.
Enel X has appointed a third-party firm, which will be "responsible for managing the remaining obligations and communicating directly with customers and partners regarding the closure."
In the meantime, those with a JuiceBox charger can contact claimsagent@tplc-claims.com, though it's unclear what type of response they'll get. Essentially, Enel X has washed its hands of North American customers and hired a cleanup crew for the rest.
Commercial JuiceBox chargers installed in parking lots and at businesses will lose all functionality once the software is shut down. "My municipality has quite a few of these stations in use," says one Rivian driver. Another driver says they are concerned about the closure of Enel X fast chargers in their area.
Retailers like Home Depot, which sell JuiceBox chargers, may also be sitting on a pile of useless inventory. Home Depot has removed the listing from its site, as has utility company ComEd. On Amazon, one listing is still live, with a note that says three are left in stock.