Go Agnostic or Get Left Behind: Learn How JPlug’s Powering Up EV Software 

By: Bayview Yards 
8-minute read  
1472 words 

Bayview Yards: A Living Lab for Innovation 

Bayview Yards continues to serve as a hub where Ottawa’s entrepreneurs test and refine their groundbreaking technologies. As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, Invest Ottawa is excited to announce a new partnership with JPlug, a growing software startup that has been an Invest Ottawa client since 2023.

This collaboration will not only enhance the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Bayview Yards parking lot but also establish our site as a real-world testing facility for JPlug’s cutting-edge software solutions. 

The Idea Behind JPlug 

After moving to Ottawa, Jorge Pantoja was thrilled to begin driving his new electric vehicle—until he realized he couldn’t actually charge it! Living in a condo with no access to a personal EV charger, he quickly encountered barriers that many urban dwellers face: complicated building bylaws, limited infrastructure, and the stigma of “stealing” electricity. 

“That experience really lit a fire in me,” says Jorge. “I couldn’t believe how hard it was to do something that should be so simple. I thought—there has to be a better way.”  

That frustration sparked the idea for Jorge to found JPlug: a scalable, software-first solution that makes EV charging accessible, affordable, and seamless—starting with just one charger, and growing as needed. 

A Smart Solution for Smart Buildings 

JPlug is designed to be nimble. Unlike many other providers that prioritize selling hardware, JPlug’s model is software-as-a-service. Their platform is compatible with any brand of charger—what they call “hardware agnostic”—which means buildings don’t need to commit to a single manufacturer or ecosystem. 

“We’re not here to sell a particular piece of equipment,” Jorge explains. “Our priority is creating a smooth, consistent experience for the driver. We manage everything through software, so it doesn’t matter which charger you use—it all feels the same.” 

Whether it’s a brand-new station or an existing one, JPlug can seamlessly integrate into their system and standardize the experience. And because it runs on the building’s existing infrastructure and internet, implementation is faster and more cost-effective than many traditional setups. 

“Agnostic software doesn’t just solve problems—it removes barriers. It gives you the freedom to evolve, scale, and adapt without being held hostage by your hardware.” 

— Jorge Pantoja
Founder of JPlug 

Bayview Yards Becomes A Testing Ground for Smarter EV Charging 

Invest Ottawa saw the potential early on. As part of their Venture Path program, JPlug was invited to pilot its solution at Bayview Yards—Ottawa’s innovation hub housed in a historic building with modern challenges. 

Starting April 1, 2025, three new EV charging stations have been installed in the paved section of the Bayview Yards parking lot, directly south of our building. These stations, supported by JPlug.io’s hardware partners—FractalEV, Teltonika Energy, and EVduty—will introduce several enhancements, including: 

• Free Charging During Business Hours – Users will now require an access code to start a charging session. 
• QR Code Access – Each station will feature a QR code linking directly to the JPlug web application for a seamless charging experience. 

Bayview Yards will serve as a real-world testing site for JPlug’s software-driven power management system. This partnership enables JPlug to gather valuable user insights, refine its platform, and enhance the EV driver experience through hands-on application and continuous improvements. 

“The opportunity to test our software solution in a real-world environment, and in a building with heritage considerations no less, was huge for us,” says Jorge. “It allowed us to learn fast, refine quickly, and prove that our technology works under complex conditions.” 

Bayview Yards now has three integrated charging stations, fully managed by JPlug’s software. Users simply scan a QR code and plug in—no app, no clunky account setup, no hassle. 

“It’s that seamless driver experience we’re obsessed with,” Jorge says. “It should take seconds, not minutes, to start charging.” 

Solving Real Problems for Real People 

One of JPlug’s most important differentiators is its ability to support multi-unit residential buildings, like condos and apartments, where installing EV chargers is often fraught with logistical and financial barriers. 

“Roughly 30 to 40% of North Americans live in multi-unit buildings, and they’ve been underserved in this transition to electric,” Jorge points out. “We’re solving that gap.” 

JPlug’s platform can track electricity usage on shared power systems, enabling fair billing and helping condo boards manage installations without needing to overhaul the entire building. And their phased approach means buildings can start with just one charger and expand over time—no need for a massive upfront investment. 

“Some companies come in with a big study and a half-million-dollar quote,” Jorge says. “We’d rather say: ‘Let’s start small. Let’s grow smart.’ EV charging should be accessible for a multitude of users. We provide mutli-residence dwellings the opportunity to scale without a massive budget or investment in costly infrastructure. That’s how we help build infrastructure for the future, one step at a time.” 

The Benefits of JPlug’s Smart Charging Technology 

JPlug’s software-centric power management system optimizes EV charging in buildings through: 

• Smart Charging – Dynamically adjusting charging schedules based on grid demand. 
• User Management – Granting efficient control over access and permissions. 
• Load Management – Preventing power overloads while ensuring faster charging. 
• Dynamic Pricing – Offering cost-efficient charging with real-time rate adjustments. 
• Station Sharing – Maximizing usage and reducing infrastructure costs. 
• Billing & Reporting – Simplifying payments, ensuring network reliability, and delivering transparent usage insights. 

From Daytime Commuters to Overnight Charging 

The partnership has grown to support not only employees and visitors during the day but also overnight use for nearby residents. After-hours charging is available to the community for a competitive fee, with usage tracked and authorized through JPlug’s software. 

“We received feedback from the neighbourhood who were interested in using the stations after hours,” says Jorge. “So we adapted. Our software now switches modes depending on the time of day—authorization code by day, public access with payment by night.” 

It’s a powerful example of JPlug’s flexibility—not just in how the technology works, but in how the team listens and responds. 

The Power of Venture Path Programs 

JPlug’s journey with Invest Ottawa began in Ignition Cohort 15, where they gained essential startup fundamentals and graduated in 2022. This experience marked their entry into the Venture Path, setting the foundation for their growth. Since then, they have remained an active member of the IO Flex community, continuously leveraging resources and connections to scale their business.

Most recently, JPlug participated in the Immigrant Founder Launchpad, an investor readiness program designed for immigrant entrepreneurs. Through this initiative, they refined their pitch, built a strong data room, navigated due diligence, and learned to effectively demonstrate traction—critical skills that continue to shape their success today. 

JPlug is revolutionizing EV charging for condominiums, making it as seamless as setting up internet service. From installation to user-friendly software, JPlug simplifies the entire process for property managers, condo boards, and residents. The company takes care of every detail, ensuring smooth integration while educating communities on EV adoption.

With support from Invest Ottawa, JPlug has refined its business strategy and connected with other founders, fostering valuable collaboration. Their mission is clear: for every installation, one gas-powered car is removed from the road, propelling JPlug toward its vision of becoming the fastest-growing EV charging network. 

For Jorge and the JPlug team, innovation doesn’t stop at the software—it’s also in how they collaborate, learn, and evolve. 

“Our partnership with Invest Ottawa has been pivotal,” Jorge reflects. “They helped us test, connect with users, and refine our offering. Being able to show what we’ve done at Bayview Yards—that’s real-world proof. That’s what makes us investor-ready.” 

JPlug isn’t just developing a better way to charge EVs. They’re creating a future where charging at home is normal, no matter where you live. A future where buildings evolve with their residents. And a future where smart software solves hard problems—with simplicity, speed, and style. 

A Sustainable Step Forward 

Invest Ottawa and JPlug’s partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to urban mobility. By integrating advanced charging solutions and leveraging Bayview Yards as a living lab, we are helping to shape the future of EV charging technology. This initiative not only supports EV adoption but also strengthens our commitment to sustainability and innovation. 

By positioning Bayview Yards as a dynamic testing facility, we are creating opportunities for startups to refine their solutions in a real-world environment, bridging the gap between development and deployment. 

Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re driving the future of innovation—one charge at a time! 

Are you ready to Optimize EV Charging in Your Building? 

Maximize your building’s EV charging capacity with JPlug’s intelligent, software-driven power management. Reduce costs, improve efficiency, and give residents the flexibility they need. 

Contact JPlug for a free assessment