Upstream Appoints EV Charging Pioneer Wulf Schlachter as Strategic Advisor

As the EV charging ecosystem continues to expand, so do the cybersecurity risks associated with it. Charging infrastructure, from charging stations to cloud-based services, is increasingly targeted by cyber threats that can disrupt operations, compromise data, and even endanger grid stability. Ensuring the availability and safety of this infrastructure is critical to maintaining trust in EV technology and supporting the continuous adoption needed for a successful transition to sustainable mobility.

Recognizing these challenges, Upstream Security has taken a significant step by appointing Wulf Schlachter, CEO of DXBe Management Group, as a strategic advisor to further enhance the resilience of charging infrastructure and ensure continuous availability.

According to Upstream’s 2025 Automotive and Smart Mobility Cybersecurity Report, incidents targeting the EV charging ecosystem have nearly doubled in 2024, now accounting for 6% of all cyber incidents in the automotive sector. Nearly 97% of these attacks targeted charging points and related systems and applications on a large scale, with 74% having the potential to disrupt operations and 41% resulting in data or privacy breaches.
Furthermore, the EV charging ecosystem faces substantial financial risks. Cybercriminals can exploit charging stations and infrastructure to commit fraud, either by bypassing payment systems to charge for free or by preventing legitimate customers from accessing charging stations, leading to financial losses and service disruptions. According to Upstream’s 2025 report, 19% of cyber incidents related to EV charging infrastructure involved fraud.
These alarming trends highlight the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect the EV charging infrastructure from growing threats.

Strengthening Cybersecurity for the EV Charging Ecosystem

Wulf Schlachter is a highly respected expert in e-Mobility, IoT, and automotive cybersecurity, bringing over two decades of experience to Upstream. As one of the global pioneers of EV charging, Wulf was one of the founding team of Ionity, a European network of high-power charging stations. He has worked with global automotive EV OEMs, major charge point operators (CPOs), utilities, retailers, logistics companies, real estate firms, financial institutions, and e-mobility service providers. His extensive background in consulting and strategy development for connected mobility solutions makes him an invaluable addition to Upstream.

Upstream Security is a leader in cloud-based cybersecurity for connected vehicles and mobility services, with a dedicated solution for securing the entire EV charging ecosystem. Upstream’s XDR platform provides deep visibility, near real-time threat detection, and proactive mitigation strategies to protect charging networks from evolving cyber threats as well as fraud risks. With Wulf Schlachter’s expertise, Upstream is poised to further expand its industry leadership in this critical area.

A Shared Vision for AI-Driven Security

One of the key aspects of Upstream’s cybersecurity approach is its deep integration of AI to provide holistic protection across the entire EV charging ecosystem. From securing charging station protocols to safeguarding APIs and cloud infrastructures, Upstream’s AI-powered platform, based on our unique digital twin technology, ensures a proactive defense against cyber threats. Wulf will contribute his strategic expertise to help refine and expand the capabilities of Upstream’s XDR platform.

“The EV charging ecosystem is rapidly growing, but with that growth comes an increasing array of operational risks,” said Wulf Schlachter. “Upstream’s AI-powered cybersecurity solution is uniquely positioned to address these challenges holistically, providing deep visibility and protection across all layers of the ecosystem. I’m excited to contribute to this mission and help drive the future of EV charging resilience.”

Upstream’s appointment of Wulf Schlachter reinforces the company’s commitment to ensuring trust and availability in the EV charging ecosystem. With his guidance, the company is set to enhance the resilience and safety of charging infrastructure to withstand emerging threats and support the continued growth of electric mobility.

As availability, safety, and fraud threats targeting the mobility sector continue to rise, strategic moves like this underscore the need for proactive, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions. By combining industry expertise with cutting-edge technology, Upstream is taking a leadership role in safeguarding the future of electric mobility.

Learn more on leveraging cyber resilience to safeguard the future of EVs in our recent webinar with Wulf.