In Season 12 of “Shark Tank,” which aired in 2020, two entrepreneurs showcased what they envisioned as the future of electric vehicle (EV) charging. They were Josh Aviv and Chris Ellis, co-founders of SparkCharge. The third co-founder, Richard Whitney, did not appear in the episode. SparkCharge aims to create a portable electric vehicle charger that can fit within a trunk, allowing EV drivers to avoid concerns about depleting their range before reaching a charging station. This concept resonated with the panel of potential investors on the show, known as sharks, leading to a deal being struck. SparkCharge continues to expand and thrive today.
However, a deal reached during an episode doesn’t guarantee it will hold post-show during the due diligence phase, which is when the investment undergoes further scrutiny to confirm it is a sound business decision. For instance, the CoinOut app, which also appeared on “Shark Tank,” secured a deal in Season 9, but it was never finalized. In contrast, SparkCharge successfully finalized their deal. The company maintains an active website and has a presence across North America.
SparkCharge secured a deal on Shark Tank
One challenge with electric vehicles is the varying infrastructure for reliable charging depending on your location, unlike the widespread network of gas stations throughout the United States. This situation prompts EV owners to seek ways to extend their vehicle’s range. SparkCharge’s mission was to offer a portable charging station to aid EV drivers in times of need, as well as to establish a network of these chargers with local businesses.
Founded in 2017, three years prior to their appearance on “Shark Tank,” Josh Aviv and Chris Ellis sought a $1 million investment for a 6% equity in the company. The sharks expressed some skepticism. Concerns were raised regarding Aviv and Ellis’ proposal to also lease the SparkCharge units alongside outright sales.
In the end, Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban accepted a deal for 10% equity and 4% advisory shares. In the ensuing years, SparkCharge secured additional partnerships and continued to expand, with its latest deal amounting to $30.5 million in May 2025. By 2024, the company anticipated revenue exceeding $27 million, with projections for profitability.
The future of SparkCharge
SparkCharge’s website claims its services cover all 50 states in the U.S. and extend into Canada and Mexico, with over 200,000 charging sessions. It offers the mobile charging service introduced on “Shark Tank,” along with permanent charging infrastructure and off-grid power hubs. Its LinkedIn business page is somewhat active, indicating the company is hiring for roles, suggesting ongoing growth.
SparkCharge has also embraced artificial intelligence (AI) through its SparkAI initiative. Its algorithms enhance the speed of developing and deploying off-grid EV charging infrastructure. SparkCharge’s website features its partners and clients, including Hertz, AAA, Amazon, Uber, Kia, and others.
As EV technology continues to advance and companies like Tesla promise substantial range in new vehicles, SparkCharge is addressing current consumer needs by providing flexible on-the-go charging solutions. A company achieving a deal on “Shark Tank” and swiftly evolving into a success embodies the essence of the show, and SparkCharge has fulfilled that promise.