Destination Media, the largest location-based digital video company and owner and operator of GSTV, and Ara Labs, the company building a nationwide network of digital advertising displays, announce a new partnership for the deployment of digital advertising experiences at select ChargePoint electric vehicle (EV) charging locations in the U.S.
ChargePoint technology, including its industry-leading network and AC and DC fast charging stations, offers a great driver experience, making it the preferred partner for Destination Media, GSTV, and Ara Labs, as well as their advertising customers.
WHAT: Deployments at select AC and DC fast-charging locations within the ChargePoint network at high-traffic retail locations will offer an enhanced driver experience with compelling content on high-resolution, large-format networked screen hardware. The deployments will give retailers new revenue streams and provide valuable opportunities to engage and inform customers while they shop. The partnership helps expand the industry-leading ChargePoint network with digital video advertising that offers retailers another opportunity to bring cost-effective charging to the locations that align with consumers’ daily journeys and where needs are the greatest. For advertisers, the deployments will offer separate screens and networked charging, providing flexibility for screen placement that will maximize media value and efficacy at each retail location.
WHO: Destination Media, which currently operates GSTV, the largest national digital video network across U.S. fuel and convenience retailers and reaching 40% of U.S. adults each month, will provide content, manage distribution, and develop all media sales and marketing activity. Meanwhile, Ara Labs, which operates the largest U.S. rideshare and taxi-top digital video display network, will own and operate the digital displays.
WHEN: The new displays will launch with the initial rollout of 1,000 units in the first 12 months at sites in the top 10 key designated market areas (DMAs) before expanding to additional sites. EV drivers will experience advertising on select AC and DC fast charging stations by the end of 2022.
“As the number of EV cars on the road increases and consumer adoption grows, ad-supported business models will play a key role in driving the evolution of consumer transportation,” said Sean McCaffrey, President and CEO of Destination Media. “Brands now have the unique opportunity to appear on a platform that is growing to follow consumer behavior, reaching a high volume of consumers at a key moment in their day as they charge and shop. The deal opens an entirely new avenue of opportunities for marketers.”
“Retailers now have increased opportunities to engage consumers while they fuel and scale their networks. This deal will result in more screens at the most optimized locations, allowing for better customer and advertiser experiences,” said Jeff Cripe, CEO at Ara Labs. “We’re excited to partner with the two best-in-class networks in EV charging and location-based media to provide a turnkey, fully-supported, and rapidly scalable media display network.”
About Destination Media
Destination Media is the largest location-based digital video company in North America reaching 40% of U.S. adults monthly across 205 markets. Destination Media currently operates GSTV, the largest data-driven, national video network, entertaining targeted audiences at scale across tens of thousands of fuel retailers.
About Ara Labs
Ara Labs (formerly Cargo) is a next-generation, digital out-of-home billboard company building networks of digital media displays throughout mobility, transit and retail environments. Venture-backed by founders Fund, Coatue, Rosecliff Ventures, iHeart Media, Kellogg’s and COPEC, Ara partners with market-leading companies like Uber, ChargePoint and Destination media to provide and manage a variety of fully supported, turnkey outdoor and indoor media displays.