Description

In this episode, host Jason Cortes sits down with Raul Dominguez, founder of Evolve Energy, to explore the rapidly changing world of EV charging within the hospitality industry. Raul shares his journey from a civil engineering background to impactful roles at Rivian and Tesla, experiences that inspired him to launch Evolve Energy. Together, they discuss how EV charging has evolved from a luxury amenity to a guest expectation—a key factor in hotel selection, loyalty, and overall competitiveness. Raul also breaks down how Evolve Energy’s smart, cost-efficient charging solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into hotel operations, delivering convenience for guests and long-term value for property owners.

Show Notes

In this episode, Jason sits down with Raul Dominguez, founder of Evolve Energy, to discuss how his company is transforming the EV charging experience in the hospitality industry. From his early career in civil engineering to leadership roles at Rivian and Tesla, Raul’s journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation, user experience, and infrastructure scalability.

They explore how Evolve Energy’s smart outlet platform is reshaping the conversation around EV charging—from being an optional amenity to an essential part of the modern guest experience.

Key Topics

• From Civil Engineering to EV Innovation
   Raul shares his path from transportation consulting to Rivian’s Adventure Network, Tesla’s Supercharger team, and ultimately founding Evolve Energy.
• Solving the “Hotel Charging Problem”
   A firsthand account of the challenges EV drivers face when traveling—limited access, inconsistent infrastructure, and unreliable listings.
• Evolve Energy’s Mission
   How Evolve is building smarter, lower-cost charging solutions through smart outlets and software-driven integrations—bringing scalability to hospitality parking lots nationwide.
• Hospitality Meets Technology
   Insights on how EV charging influences guest loyalty and conversion rates. With Hilton naming EV charging as its #1 global booking filter, Raul explains why charging is now as essential as Wi-Fi.
• ROI and Accessibility
   The business case for hotels: EV charging as a revenue-generating investment, not a cost. How Evolve’s platform reduces capital expenditure while expanding access.
• Frictionless Guest Experience
   Integration with hotel management systems for seamless billing and user access—no cables, screens, or payment terminals required.
• Future-Proofing for the EV Era
   Raul discusses the company’s focus on edge computing, machine learning, and hardware designed for autonomous vehicles and mass adoption.