CleanTechnica Exclusive: Interview With Andy Karetsky, CEO of Skycharger
Last Updated on: 25th June 2025, 10:46 am
On Tuesday, June 24, Skycharger, one of the nation’s leading developers of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, announced that it has been awarded a lease to develop a 24-port fast charging hub at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The new EV hub will serve electric rideshare vehicles, airport travelers, and the general public — supporting California’s push to electrify transportation and meet its Clean Miles Standard Program goals. That Program seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from passenger ride-hailing services operated by transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft.
Key highlights from the Skycharger announcement include:
- 400 kW ultra-fast chargers: Engineered to power up larger batteries at record speeds, minimizing wait times for drivers at one of the nation’s busiest airports;
- 200,000+ tons of CO₂ avoided: Projected emissions savings in the first ten years, directly supporting SFO’s net-zero carbon goals; and,
- $10 million CEC grant and 70-port truck hub: Builds on Skycharger’s recent statewide momentum, including its California Energy Commission funding for electric truck stops and the new 70-port electric truck charging hub at the Port of San Diego.
Skycharger CEO Andy Karetsky and his people reached out to CleanTechnica, wanting to share the good news about the SFO lease and more. As advocates for transportation electrification across multiple domains, we were interested to hear more about the successes that Skycharger has achieved.
Here is our interview.
Q: Skycharger’s mission is to accelerate the electrification of transportation by deploying charging infrastructure in innovative ways. What kinds of innovations have you incorporated to the EV charging experience?
We focus on practical innovations that improve the real-world charging experience. That means placing stations where people actually want to stop — near amenities, in well-lit, safe areas — and using smart hardware and software to ensure chargers are always working. We also design for fleets, integrating things like battery-buffered systems and energy management tools to accelerate deployment and uptime, while keeping electricity cost down.
Q: Skycharger offers fleet electrification, Level 2 and DC Fast Charging, solar with charging, and vehicle-to-grid technology. What decisions did Skycharger come to in order to provide such a broad list of services?
We listened to our partners. Fleets, municipalities, and site hosts each have unique needs, so we built a flexible model — offering everything from basic Level 2 charging to advanced vehicle-to-grid and solar-integrated solutions. As we grow, we continue making decisions that prioritize interoperability, reliability, and long-term site value — so every project meets the specific goals of the customers and communities we serve.
Q: Skycharger’s approach helps customers to increase revenue instead of tying up their cash. What does that financial model look like at the granular level?
If a fleet or municipality wants charging infrastructure but doesn’t want to make the capital investment, Skycharger is the right partner. We own and operate the equipment, so our customers can focus on operations — not assets. In most cases, we lease the land or space and charge a predictable monthly fee. We also tap into grants, utility programs, and LCFS credits to reduce project costs and accelerate payback.
Q: Your team manages new projects in three steps: permitting and design, site preparation and install, and federal and state tax paperwork. How does taking on so many aspects of getting online alleviate stress for your customers?
Our site hosts and fleet customers don’t have to worry about a thing. We manage everything from permitting to construction to selling tax credits, allowing our customers to focus on their core business while we deliver the infrastructure package — chargers, transformers, battery buffers, solar canopies, signage, and networking systems. We also provide long-term operations and maintenance to ensure high reliability and uptime. Beyond the physical infrastructure, we proactively engage with communities, local governments, and workforce partners to ensure our projects reflect local needs and deliver shared value. For example, in National City, CA, we are working closely with community groups and city leaders to align our project with workforce development goals, small business opportunities, and environmental priorities — creating a win-win-win for the city, local residents, and the future of clean transportation.
Q: At Skycharger, you’re ready to introduce a state-of-the-art, 24-port fast charging hub at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Why was Skycharger chosen over other applicants? What is your company offering that exceeds what’s been done previously in the EV charging industry?
I think the people at SFO saw and liked our vision. We’re creating a full-service charging hub on-site for rideshare fleets and other airport visitors — something that hasn’t been done at this scale before.
Q: San Francisco is a community that’s environmentally conscious. Skycharger is trying to change the mindset in San Francisco — and elsewhere — that charging accessibility is a luxury. How do you envision this location as a pilot program for other cities around the US?
We hope this becomes a model for other airports in both concept and execution. A successful, high-utilization hub at SFO can demonstrate what’s possible and position Skycharger to replicate this solution at airports nationwide.
Q: Skycharger has also been conditionally awarded a $10 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to design, construct, and operate two publicly accessible electric truck stops along I-5 in Southern California. That’s exciting! In brief, what was your Critical Paths 2.0 proposal like? What will this process look like for Skycharger from concept to running the sites?
We are developing two truck charging stations along I-5 to connect freight routes between Southern and Northern California. The planning, permitting, and construction process will take at least two years, and we’re focusing on delivering high uptime and accessiblity from day one.
Q: Your company is a subsidiary of Skyview Ventures. How does having flexible capital allow you to train knowledgeable teams who deliver value to your customers?
We think that having flexible capital and a team with deep knowledge and experience — in EV charging, LCFS credits, and grants — give us a significant advantage over others in our field. It allows us to invest in talent, move quickly, and create value for our customers.
Q: Skycharger selected Electric Era for its comprehensive approach to charging infrastructure deployment. How has Electric Era helped your company to accomplish EV charging deployment goals, assure financial performance, and achieve customer satisfaction?
One of the biggest bottlenecks in EV infrastructure is waiting on utility upgrades. Electric Era is one of only a few companies using a battery-buffered solution to help bypass those delays. This technology allows us to install faster — even at sites with limited existing power. It’s been a valuable partnership.
Q: Skycharger participates in the Low Carbon Fuel Standard in CA, and OR. NY, WA and MA are on the horizon. The Low Carbon Fuel Standard is designed to decrease the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuel pool and provide an increasing range of low-carbon and renewable alternatives, which reduce petroleum dependency and achieve air quality benefits. Why is participation in the Standard important for Skycharger?
The LCFS is one of the most effective tools for reducing the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuel pool. Participating in LCFS markets makes our infrastructure more financially sustainable and helps accelerate clean energy adoption — in California and beyond. In the past couple of years, Oregon and Washington states and British Columbia have adopted CFS markets as well.
Thanks to Andy and the folks behind the scenes at Skycharger for sharing the good news about expanding charging options.
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