At EVTools, we believe that there are always people behind the software. People with ideas, curiosity and passion. That's why we are starting a new series where we show the faces behind EVTools. We kick off with Robert-Jan Schutte, who started with us through his graduation project and recently started as a full-time software developer.
Robert-Jan's background and technical creativity
Robert-Jan (24) lives in The Hague and has had a fascination with technology since childhood. "My father used to put me on his shoulder while sitting at his computer," he says. "Since then, I've always been involved with technology." That curiosity doesn't just manifest itself in software. In his spare time, Robert-Jan builds 3D printers, designs and prints parts, and even soldered together his own keyboard. "My desk is an organized chaos full of projects," he says with a laugh.
That passion translated into studying Technical Computer Science at the Hogeschool Rotterdam. There he dove deep into the world of programming languages such as Python, Java and Haskell, as well as databases, electronics and even robotics. "The study gave me a bit of everything, but always practical. Theory was immediately applied in projects for real companies. I found that to be the most fun way of learning."
A passion for electric driving
His interest in electric vehicles began early. "In high school, I wrote a report on Tesla. My father has been driving electric for years, so I experienced the growth of the charging network up close." When the time came to seek a graduate position, EVTools felt like the perfect match. "I wanted to contribute to the expansion of that charging network. And here was the opportunity to make the process easier and smarter."
Through his father, he came into contact with Jeroen, one of the EVTools team members, and the ball started rolling. "We had a conversation about possible assignments. There was already an idea to automate the placement of charging stations, and that seemed like a nice challenge."
The algorithm: smarter planning, less work
Robert-Jan dove into the world of data, map layers and algorithms. His graduation project: build a system that automatically suggests the most suitable locations for new charging stations.
"Placing charging stations now takes a lot of time and money," he explains. "My algorithm immediately filters out a large proportion of suitable parking spaces based on map data. As a result, you have to check far fewer locations as a human being."
He started with a solid foundation, without immediately solving everything with AI. "AI is powerful, but not always necessary. First, the algorithm needed to be able to apply 'basic rules,' such as distance from amenities and avoiding green spaces. Later, AI can help check visual requirements on top of that with street photos."
Learning in an open team
Although his assignment was largely individual, Robert-Jan immediately felt part of the team. "I joined the daily stand-ups. That gave structure and made it easy to ask for help. Bart helped me tremendously with geographic data, and I was able to help him again with technical questions. That interaction was very valuable."
Future plans: from thesis to product
The algorithm Robert-Jan developed is almost ready to be implemented in EVMaps. "What I like best is that my graduation work will not disappear in a drawer, but will actually be used. It can soon save municipalities and companies a lot of time."
And that's just the beginning. Starting in September, Robert-Jan officially started as a software developer at EVTools. "I want to develop the algorithm further, for example by also adding forecast data. Then the system can even predict which locations are the most profitable. That could really become a separate product."
Why EVTools?
What would he say to students considering graduating from EVTools? "It's a very open team, where you get the space to experiment and learn. I was able to join right away and felt welcome right away. And it's cool that your work has an immediate impact."
With his curiosity, technical creativity and practical approach, Robert-Jan is a perfect addition to the ETtools team. And who knows, the smart charging station planning of tomorrow might come from his 3D printed keyboard.
