Rangeway Energy - Field Notes #3
Hi Rangeway Community,
Three weeks ago, we were deep in financial models and partnership conversations.
Today, we're putting signatures on agreements and preparing to show investors why scenic highway charging is the most overlooked opportunity in EV infrastructure.
Let me catch you up on what's been happening behind the scenes…
We Signed Our First Partnership!
I am beyond excited to announce that we've officially signed an MOU with HyWatts to bring their Power Plant in a Box technology to our Rangeway Waystations.
For those who aren't familiar, HyWatts builds hybrid off-grid power systems—solar, battery storage, and backup generation - all integrated into a single deployable unit.
Why does this matter?
Because the most scenic routes in America are often the places where grid power is expensive, unreliable, or requires years of utility upgrades before you can deliver ultra-fast charging.
HyWatts changes that equation completely.
With their technology, we can put Waystations in places that actually matter—the coastal overlooks, the mountain passes, the desert vistas, without waiting for utility companies or compromising on charging speed.
This isn't about going off-grid for the sake of going off-grid. It's about building charging destinations where people want to stop, not just where the grid happens to be convenient.
And honestly? After months of conversations about vision and values, it feels incredible to put our name on an agreement with a partner who gets it.
More Partnerships Coming Soon
HyWatts is just the first signature.
We're in active discussions with several other strategic partners—hardware vendors, software platforms, and site development firms who share our belief that EV charging should be hospitality-driven, not utility-driven.
Some of these conversations have been going on for weeks. Others just started.
But what they all have in common is this: every partnership we pursue makes the Rangeway experience better, faster, or more reliable for drivers.
We'll announce them as agreements are finalized, but trust me when I say…we're not done.
Financial Models: The Final Sprint
Remember when I said we were deep in financial modeling? Well, we're in the final sprint.
Our goal is to complete our full financial modeling by the end of October, which means we'll be ready to begin formal investor outreach in November.
Working with an incredible financial consultant (shoutout to Jim and Colin, who have been grinding through spreadsheets with me for weeks), we're building cluster-level models that show exactly how our Basecamp/Waystation network delivers better unit economics than standalone charging sites.
Not just better experiences. Better business fundamentals.
The math is proving what we've always believed: when you build charging destinations instead of charging infrastructure, the revenue model transforms. Charging sessions, yes. But also retail, advertising, loyalty programs, tourism partnerships, LCFS credits…the streams multiply when you stop thinking like a utility.
Once we hit "send" on those investor decks, the real race begins.
Introducing Pathfinder Rewards (Coming Soon)
Speaking of thinking like a hospitality company...
We've started building out something we're calling Pathfinder Rewards - a membership program designed for people who see road trips as adventures, not just commutes.
I can't share too much yet (we're still refining the details), but here's the philosophy: this won't be your typical charging network rewards card. We're building something that feels more like a premium travel program—the kind you'd actually want to be part of, not just tolerate for discounts.
Think exclusive benefits, community experiences, and recognition that rewards the people who believe in what we're creating.
More details coming soon, but if you've been following along since Field Notes #1, you're already on the right list.
Route Markers: Our Weekly LinkedIn Newsletter
If you're not following us on LinkedIn yet, you're missing out.
We just launched Route Markers, our weekly newsletter that drops every Wednesday morning with insights, reflections, and the occasional rant about why we're building Rangeway the way we are.
This week's edition? Let's just say it involves Disneyland, a family in a Tesla during a rainstorm, and why the entire EV charging industry has been copying the wrong business model since day one.
(Spoiler: Gas stations are the wrong template. Theme parks are the right one. But you'll have to read it to find out why.)
Subscribe on LinkedIn and join the conversation. We'd love to hear from you.
What's Next
We're finalizing financials, closing partnerships, and preparing to bring the first Rangeway Basecamp and Waystations from concept to shovel-ready, beginning next year…
And you're part of this!
Every person who shares our posts, takes our polls, forwards this newsletter, or just believes that scenic highways deserve better, you're helping us build momentum.
So thank you…for being here, and for believing in the journey.
Let's keep building!
— Zak Winnick
Founder & CEO, Rangeway Energy
Got questions, ideas, or just want to talk about EV charging?
Hit reply! I read and (try to) respond to every single email.
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Building the charging network America's scenic routes deserve.