13 Years of Electrifying Change.
National Car Charging's Journey to Power the Future!
“I remember it like it was yesterday—the moment I took a test drive in one of the early Nissan Leafs, I felt a spark of realization about where the future was headed," shared Jim Burness, the founder of National Car Charging. That thrilling experience ignited a vision that has blossomed into National Car Charging, a company proudly celebrating its 13th anniversary today, November 1st, 2024.
A Vision Rooted in Responsibility.
Jim embarked on his EV charging journey with a bold vision: to build a thriving business and champion a cleaner, greener world. Inspired by his mother, an early environmental activist, and driven by the urgent reality that gas emissions remain a top contributor to climate change, Jim saw electrifying transportation as more than a business opportunity— it was a responsibility.
The story of National Car Charging began in Jim's basement, a humble start that he kept secret from his wife for the first six months. “I was fueled by passion and determination, diving into the unknown while juggling everything else,” he reflects.
An Early Passion for Cars and Innovation.
From a young age, Jim's fascination with cars was sparked by his uncle, a world-renowned race car builder. This early influence led him through impressive career stops at industry giants like Honda, JD Power, and Microsoft's Carpoint, where he honed his expertise and deepened his love for automotive innovation. Yet, the entrepreneurial spirit ran deep, leading him to explore various business ventures before founding National Car Charging - one of the nation’s largest and most experienced EV charging solutions value-added resellers.
From Vision to Reality: 13 Years of Growth.
Over the past 13 years, Jim has turned his vision into a thriving enterprise that champions sustainable transportation solutions. Today, National Car Charging is synonymous with top-tier EV charging infrastructure, delivering innovative products and unparalleled service to clients across the nation. With over 11,000 ports installed and 1,100 clients served in 48 states, NCC has become a trusted partner for organizations - large and small - committed to sustainability.
Although the journey hasn't always been smooth, Jim's unwavering dedication to making a difference has inspired his passionate team that shares his vision for driving change. "Entering the industry early has been a pivotal part of our story and our success - in some ways it’s our super power," Jim shares.
“Entering the industry early has been a pivotal part of our story and our success - in some ways it’s our super power.”
"We’ve navigated the highs and lows of this evolving landscape, facing nearly every unexpected challenge along the way. Those early hurdles taught us a lot. They sharpened our skills and equipped us to sidestep costly mistakes that many newcomers still face, ensuring our clients receive the best solutions tailored to their needs." With a wealth of knowledge, a portfolio of quality brands, and a client-centric reputation built on trust, National Car Charging has solidified its position as a leader in the field.
The company takes pride in their brand-agnostic approach, focusing on finding the best solution for each project’s unique needs—not just pushing one product. “Every project has distinct goals, and we believe in delivering the right solution,” Jim explained.
To achieve this, they’ve meticulously curated a range of the most reliable and innovative EV charging options on the market. Representing several leading hardware manufacturers and trusted software providers, they offer unmatched flexibility and customization, whether for public parking, fleet vehicles, school buses, or even watercraft.
Championing Sustainability Through Uncompromised Quality.
Moreover, the company stands firmly behind its commitment to premium products. As federal funding and venture capital accelerate the EV boom, the market has seen a wave of new players racing to sell EV-related products.
Many of these new-to-market companies prioritize price over quality, resulting in a flood of low-cost, minimally vetted EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment). While these options may seem attractive, they frequently fall short on durability and performance, leading to breakdowns, unexpected damage to electrical systems, and even harm to vehicles. This approach not only frustrates users and adds to electronic waste but also jeopardizes the EV industry’s long-term sustainability goals.
“We’re in this business for all the right reasons, and we don’t apologize for focusing on products built to last,” Jim says. “The last thing we want is more electronic waste piling up in landfills or drivers stranded due to unreliable equipment.” This steadfast commitment to quality and adaptability sets Jim Burness and National Car Charging apart in a field where many focus on short-term gains.
“We’re in this business for all the right reasons, and we don’t apologize for focusing on products built to last. The last thing we want is more electronic waste piling up in landfills or drivers stranded due to unreliable equipment.”
“One of the things I love about working in an emerging industry is its constant evolution and growth. I am genuinely excited to see where the next thirteen years will take us,” Jim reflects. As he and his team celebrate this remarkable milestone, they not only honor the journey they’ve traveled but also look forward to the possibilities ahead.
Advancing Clean Mobility with Every Project.
Jim and his team at National Car Charging are not just leading the charge; they are actively transforming the landscape of sustainable transportation and paving the way for a cleaner, greener future. Over the past 13 years, their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation has made a genuine difference—one charging station at a time.
Here’s to countless more years of electrifying impact and NCC’s steadfast commitment to sustainability!
Written by Margaret-Ann Leavitt
About Margaret-Ann Leavitt
Margaret-Ann Leavitt leads marketing and communications for National Car Charging and Aloha Charge. A passionate leader with a proven track record of success, Margaret-Ann excels in providing strategic guidance, driving growth, and delivering targeted results for emerging brands. Her impressive career includes positions at Mattel, WATTMORE, FCB Global, and the Sterling-Rice Group.
She holds a B.A. in Economics with a minor in Women’s Studies from Colgate University and an M.F.A. in Film Production from the University of Miami. A longtime advocate for sustainability, Margaret-Ann has been a proponent of electric vehicles for nearly a decade.
In her free time, she serves as the board chair of the Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS Denver). Originally from the East Coast, Margaret-Ann now resides in Denver, Colorado with her family, driving a 100% fossil fuel-free. For more articles from Margaret-Ann, visit the National Car Charging blog.
About National Car Charging - National Car Charging (NCC) and its subsidiary Aloha Charge strive to make the transition to electric vehicles easy by offering the most reliable EV charging products and services at reasonable prices. Born in Colorado in 2011, today NCC is the largest independent EV charging reseller and installer nationwide managing 11,000+ ports across 48 states, 1,100 clients and dozens of business channels. For more information visit: https://www.nationalcarcharging.com/.