Nikhil Bharadwaj: Innovator in EV Charging and Sustainability
Nikhil Bharadwaj is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Xeal, a pioneering company in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry. He co-founded Xeal in 2019 alongside Alexander Isaacson, with a mission to address climate change challenges through practical and disruptive solutions for smart cities. Nikhil’s journey in the EV charging industry began during his time at Penn State University, where he graduated in 2018 with a degree in Energy Engineering. During his studies, he took Engineering 310, Entrepreneurial Leadership, a course that significantly influenced his approach to engineering and innovation.
Early Life and Education
Nikhil’s passion for engineering and sustainability was evident from a young age. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Penn State University, where he majored in Energy Engineering. His academic journey was marked by a strong focus on sustainability and renewable energy. One of the pivotal moments in his education was taking Engineering 310, a course that emphasized the practical applications of engineering principles in solving real-world problems. He says, “This course played a crucial role in shaping my approach to innovation and problem-solving. Moreover, the course allowed me to clearly define my life plan and vision that set up the direction for the next decade of my journey. I still continue the practices of life planning that I learned under the guidance of Professor Woodman during my time at Penn State.”
In 2016, Nikhil received the Student Sustainability Leadership Award from Penn State. This award recognized his passion for solar energy and his efforts to inspire others in the field of sustainability. He was honored with a tree-planting ceremony outside the MorningStar Solar Home on Penn State’s University Park campus on Earth Day.
Founding Xeal
In 2019, Nikhil co-founded Xeal with Alexander Isaacson. The duo was driven by a shared vision of creating a sustainable future through innovative EV charging solutions. Xeal’s mission is to solve climate change challenges by developing practical and disruptive technologies for smart cities. Under Nikhil’s leadership as CTO, Xeal has made significant strides in the EV charging industry.
Innovations and Contributions
Nikhil’s contributions to Xeal and the EV charging industry are noteworthy. One of the key innovations developed by Nikhil and his team is the patented self-reliant computing protocol that allows maximum uptime for smart connected devices like EV charging with no dependence on the cloud via a network connection. The status quo prior to the invention in the industry had up to a third of the chargers be non-functional or offline with the leading reason for failure being a cloud or network failure. This innovation has enabled Xeal to drive industry leading uptime with no IT infrastructure required for deployment making the charging experience seamless for drivers and bringing real value for the real estate markets.
Expansion and Partnerships
Xeal has experienced rapid growth under Nikhil’s leadership. The company has secured $54 million from investors and is building a network of over 10,000 chargers in more than 60 metro areas. Xeal has formed strategic partnerships with real estate developers such as Brookfield, AvalonBay, and Harrison Street to expand its reach. These partnerships have been instrumental in scaling Xeal’s operations and bringing their innovative charging solutions to a wider audience.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Nikhil and Xeal have ambitious plans for the future. They aim to significantly expand their solutions across the country and build the leading real estate focused EV charging infrastructure while expanding their proprietary technology across the globe to enable the entire industry to reach the highest standards of reliability. Furthermore, Xeal’s technology with its proprietary protocol can be applied to any shared IoT or connected device like smart door locks, package lockers, vending machines, and more and they’re focused on leading with a platform first approach to not just electrify the transportation sector but unlock the full potential of self-reliant and sustainable smart cities.
Recognition and Awards
Nikhil’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2025, he was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Transportation & Mobility category. This prestigious recognition highlights his contributions to the EV charging industry and his role in driving innovation, technology, and sustainability. Additionally, Nikhil serves as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Penn State, where he mentors students and shares his startup experiences across climate tech, connected devices, and smart mobility.
Conclusion
Nikhil Bharadwaj’s journey from a passionate engineering student to a leading innovator in the EV charging industry is inspiring. His contributions to Xeal and the broader sustainability movement reflect his dedication to creating a greener future. With ambitious plans for expansion and technological advancements, Nikhil and Xeal are poised to make a lasting impact on the EV charging sector and beyond by powering the future of smart cities. The problem-solving skills and leadership qualities he honed during his time at Penn State—particularly in Engineering 310—continue to influence his work today. As he mentors the next generation of students, his path serves as a reminder of how experiences in courses like Engineering 310 can shape the future of innovation.
