If you're running an EV charging network, you've probably hit that moment: your software feels more like a limitation than a solution. Maybe it can’t keep up with your growing infrastructure. Maybe it’s missing features your customers now expect. Or maybe you’re simply tired of relying on a third-party platform that doesn’t give you the control or flexibility you need.
Whatever the reason, migrating to a new EV charging software platform is a decision that eventually shows up on the roadmap of most CPOs and eMobility providers. And while the idea of switching systems might sound daunting - downtime, data transfer, compatibility issues - the real risk lies in doing nothing.
Sticking with outdated, underperforming software can hold your business back just when the market is moving faster than ever.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about EV charging software migration:
- When is the right time to consider it?
- What should you watch out for when evaluating providers?
- And how do you pull off a migration without disrupting your network?
If you're planning to scale, streamline operations, or take back control of your infrastructure, this article will help you make the move confidently.
What is EV charging software migration?
EV charging software migration is the process of switching from one backend platform to another to manage charging stations, user data, billing, and integrations. It ensures scalability, performance, and compliance as networks grow, and is often necessary when legacy systems can no longer meet business demands.
But in eMobility, it’s rarely as simple as “moving to a new platform.” Unlike traditional SaaS tools, EV charging software connects to physical infrastructure, communicates in real time with charging stations, and needs to stay online for drivers 24/7.
Such a migration touches more than just your tech stack, it impacts your entire operation.
What do you actually migrate?
When you move to a new EV charging management platform, you’re often dealing with:
- Charging station control and communication (typically over OCPP)
- User and session data
- Billing and tariff systems
- Mobile app integrations
- OCPI connections with roaming partners
- Historical usage logs and analytics
- Backend APIs and business logic
Each of these layers must be carefully transitioned to ensure stability and service continuity.
Why EV charging platform migration is more complex than it looks
Even if two platforms claim OCPP compliance, they might interpret edge cases differently. Hardware from different manufacturers may respond unpredictably. Network configurations, charger firmware versions, and custom business rules all need to be accounted for.
That’s why migrating EV charging networks isn’t just about plugging in new software. You have to make sure to validate every interaction between your backend and the real-world charging infrastructure while minimizing downtime and avoiding service disruptions for drivers.
In short, EV charging platform migration is equal parts strategy, coordination, and technical execution. Done well, it opens up new opportunities for growth, performance, and autonomy. Done poorly, it risks revenue loss, unhappy users, and long-term setbacks.
When should you consider EV charging platform migration?
No one wakes up hoping to switch platforms. Migrations usually come up when something stops working the way it should. If you're starting to feel friction between your current EV charging software and your business goals, it's probably time to look closer.
Whether you're a CPO expanding your network or an EMSP looking for better service quality, here are the most common reasons companies decide to make the move.
Product-based reasons to migrate
These are the day-to-day frustrations, the technical and functional limitations that pile up until staying put feels more painful than changing.
- Missing or outdated features
Your users expect real-time availability, remote diagnostics, mobile payments, dynamic pricing, and your current system doesn’t deliver. - Platform instability
Crashes, slow performance, and scaling issues can cause disruptions, especially as your network grows. - Poor technical support
When you’re managing a nationwide or regional network, waiting days for a ticket response is unacceptable. - Compliance problems
If your current software can’t keep up with evolving standards or regulations (OCPP 2.0.1, data privacy laws, etc.), it puts your entire operation at risk.
Strategic, business-level drivers
Beyond bugs and feature gaps, some problems cut deeper into how your business is built and where it's headed.
- Data ownership concerns
In SaaS setups, your customer and operational data often sits on someone else’s servers. That’s a problem if you need full control or are preparing for audits, funding rounds, or M&A. - Vendor lock-in
If your software provider makes it hard (or expensive) to customize, integrate, or leave, you’re not in control of your growth. - Limited scalability
Software designed for 100 chargers might break under the weight of 5,000. Legacy systems weren’t built for today's scale, let alone tomorrow's. - Competitive disadvantage
If you can’t add new features fast, your competitors will, and they’ll win on customer experience, uptime, and innovation.
Migrating to a new EV charging management platform doesn’t mean something went wrong. Often, it means your business is growing, and your software needs to catch up.
Read how our team migrated 9k chargers in zero downtime for Connected Kerb ⤵️
Key considerations before migrating your EV charging network
Even if you’re convinced that your current software is holding you back, migrating your EV charging system isn’t a decision to rush. Between technical integration, cost structures, and long-term implications, there are several things worth thinking through before you switch to a new EV charging management platform.
1. Total cost of ownership (not just license fees)
SaaS solutions might seem cheaper at first, especially if you’re just getting started, but the cost can scale fast. More chargers = higher recurring fees. Over time, you may end up paying far more than you would for a licensed or custom-built solution.
Ask yourself:
- How will costs change as my network grows?
- Am I paying mostly OPEX, or building long-term value through CAPEX?
2. Risk tolerance
Every migration comes with risk. The question is: how much can your business handle?
- How long can your network afford to be down?
- What’s your fallback plan if chargers go offline during the switch?
- Are you set up to manage edge-case errors (like firmware mismatches)?
The lower your tolerance for disruption, the more important it is to phase the migration carefully, or work with a provider who has done it before at scale.
3. Compatibility with your hardware and infrastructure
Some EV charging networks include dozens of charger models from multiple vendors — not all software handles that well.
- Is the new platform fully OCPP-compliant (1.6 and/or 2.0.1)?
- Can it support your specific hardware types and network architecture?
- Does it offer flexibility in how OCPI connections are managed?
This is where OCPP acceptance testing and OCPI migration planning come into play.
4. Data ownership and autonomy
If you’re currently using a cloud SaaS solution, your data might be locked away behind someone else’s dashboard. Migrating could give you:
- Full access and control over your historical and real-time data
- The option to host software on your infrastructure
- Greater leverage in future provider negotiations
In regulated or highly competitive markets, data autonomy is a must-have.
5. Customization needs
Are you looking for a one-size-fits-all product? Or do you have specific workflows and integrations that off-the-shelf platforms don’t support?
Custom software or licensed solutions can offer:
- Tailored features like smart energy management, API-first design, or unique billing models
- Competitive differentiation through exclusive capabilities
- The option to own your software’s intellectual property (IP)
6. Scalability and growth trajectory
Your next platform should be built not for where you are now, but where you're headed.
- Can the new system support 5x or 10x your current network size?
- What’s their track record with large, complex deployments?
- Do they support modular expansion (e.g., fleets, residential, public charging)?
Choosing a platform that matches your growth curve avoids the need to migrate again in a year or two.
Migrating your EV charging network is a long-term commitment. By weighing these factors carefully, you can reduce risk, avoid rework, and set your business up for scalable success.
How to choose the right software provider
Once you’ve decided to migrate your EV charging software, the next big question is: who should you trust to power your future operations?
Choosing the right provider is about finding a long-term partner that aligns with your infrastructure, growth goals, and business philosophy. Here's how to make that decision with confidence.
1. Look for proven EV industry experience
Not all software vendors understand the real-world demands of EV charging networks. Prioritize those who:
- Have deployed solutions across multiple CPOs or EMSPs
- Work with OCPP and OCPI standards regularly
- Can demonstrate uptime, scalability, and performance under load
Ask for case studies. Real success stories are more telling than polished sales decks.
2. Assess their OCPP and OCPI capabilities
Protocols like OCPP (for charger communication) and OCPI (for roaming and partner connections) are core to your operations. Your new platform should:
- Fully support OCPP 1.6 and ideally 2.0.1
- Handle edge cases reliably (not just pass “basic compliance”)
- Offer tooling for OCPP Acceptance Testing
- Make OCPI migration seamless and secure
This ensures your new system will play nicely with your chargers and existing partner integrations.
3. Evaluate scalability and ecosystem fit
A good platform grows with you and integrates easily with other tools you rely on.
Look for:
- Modular design that supports public, fleet, or residential segments
- Compatibility with ERP, CRM, billing engines, and mobile apps
- A modern API architecture for custom extensions or third-party tools
If you're thinking big, your platform should too.
4. Understand the business model: SaaS vs. Licensed vs. Custom
Every EV charging platform comes with different pricing and ownership models, and each one has trade-offs worth considering.
SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) platforms are quick to deploy and have low upfront costs, making them attractive for smaller or fast-moving teams. But over time, the recurring fees can grow significantly as your network expands, and you may face limitations in how much you can customize or control.
Licensed solutions usually involve a one-time or fixed cost, offering more control over your infrastructure and long-term expenses. However, they come with a higher initial investment and place more responsibility on your team for updates and maintenance.
Custom-built platforms offer the most flexibility and can deliver a true competitive edge by supporting features or workflows that generic systems can’t. The trade-off is longer development time, the highest upfront cost, and the need to take care of continuous development efforts.
If your business model, compliance requirements, or scaling goals don’t align with one-size-fits-all solutions, a licensed solution may be the smarter strategic move.
5. Check for transparency and support quality
Look beyond the product and ask:
- What’s their onboarding process like?
- Do they offer documentation, training, and migration support?
- How responsive is their support team?
Talk to current customers if possible. The experience after signing the contract is just as important as what’s promised before.
The EV charging software migration process (step-by-step)
Once you’ve chosen your new platform, the real work begins. A well-planned migration means aligning systems, data, and infrastructure without breaking live operations.
Here’s how to manage a smooth, secure, and scalable EV charging software migration from start to finish.
Step 1: Assess and evaluate the new software
Start by validating that the new system meets (and exceeds) your current and future needs:
- Can it support all your charging station models?
- Does it scale as your network grows?
- Are all required features (billing, dynamic pricing, mobile app integration) available?
This is your chance to benchmark performance and avoid surprises later.
Step 2: Confirm hardware compatibility and OCPP support
Before any chargers are migrated, confirm that the new system integrates cleanly with your hardware:
- Test all models using OCPP Acceptance Testing protocols
- Verify firmware versions, configurations, and edge-case behavior
- Ensure the platform fully supports both OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1 (if applicable)
💡Tip: Download the [OCPP Acceptance Testing Guide] to ensure full protocol validation.
Step 3: Map and migrate the software structure
This involves transferring your entire operational blueprint:
- Charging pools and individual station configurations
- Location metadata, tags, and availability status
- Hierarchical grouping and permissions
A misstep here can lead to lost visibility or inaccurate reporting, so structure replication matters.
Step 4: Choose the right migration method
Depending on your infrastructure, there are two main ways to migrate charging stations:
- Remote socket migration: Via OCPP URL switching (fast and scalable)
- Physical reconnection: For legacy hardware or offline units
Each method requires planning and coordination with technical teams, especially for larger networks.
Step 5: Pilot first, then scale
Don’t move everything at once. Start with a test group:
- Migrate a small pool of chargers
- Monitor data integrity, uptime, and transaction flows
- Fine-tune the integration before expanding
Once validated, roll out migration in controlled waves until the entire EV charging network is live on the new platform.
Step 6: Migrate OCPI connections
If you’re connected to roaming partners or other networks via OCPI, you’ll need to:
- Reconnect those endpoints in the new system
- Validate that data exchange (locations, tokens, sessions) flows as expected
- Ensure no duplicate sessions or communication gaps occur
This step is often overlooked, but it’s critical for EMSPs and networks relying on third-party charging infrastructure.
Step 7: Monitor, validate, and optimize
Post-migration is when the real testing begins:
- Continuously monitor charger status, session logs, and user feedback
- Use KPIs to compare pre- and post-migration performance
- Identify and resolve edge issues early
Some issues (like tariff mismatches or reporting errors) only appear under live load — so stay proactive.
Migrating your EV charging network may feel complex, but when done methodically, it becomes a launchpad for better performance, flexibility, and growth.
Common pitfalls in EV charging software migration (and how to avoid them)
Even with a solid plan, migrations don’t always go smoothly. EV charging networks are complex systems, and a small misstep in one layer can cause cascading issues across chargers, billing, user apps, or partner networks.
Here are some of the most common pitfalls that CPOs and EMSPs face during EV charging platform migration, and how to steer clear of them.
1. Underestimating backend complexity
It’s easy to assume that if the front end works, the migration is complete. But EV platforms run on deeply layered backend systems:
- Dynamic pricing models
- Smart charging algorithms
- OCPI partner routing
- Historical data archives
Avoid it: Involve backend engineers early. Audit every component before switching environments.
2. Skipping or rushing acceptance testing
On paper, two platforms might claim full OCPP compliance, but in practice, chargers behave differently depending on firmware, network conditions, and how the backend interprets protocol nuances.
Rushing this phase, or relying only on physical devices, often leads to missed edge cases and post-migration bugs.
Avoid it, and:
- Build out a dedicated OCPP Acceptance Testing plan
- Validate key workflows: session starts, firmware updates, error handling
- Use tools like Solidstudio’s Virtual Charge Point Simulator to test without depending on physical hardware
Solidstudio’s VCP lets you simulate multiple chargers running OCPP 1.6, 2.0.1, or even 2.1, including secure communication, authorization flows, and fault conditions. It’s open-source, actively maintained, and ideal for load testing, regression debugging, and certification readiness.
Whether you're preparing for a phased rollout or building confidence before flipping the switch, virtual simulation saves time, reduces risk, and strengthens your testing coverage.
3. Migrating all chargers at once
Rolling out a full migration across hundreds or thousands of chargers without testing at scale is a recipe for downtime and user frustration.
Avoid it: Use a phased approach. Migrate in controlled batches. Validate after each wave.
4. Overlooking OCPI connection transfers
Failing to properly reconnect your roaming partners can break session authorization, token sharing, or real-time location syncing, often without obvious warning signs.
Avoid it: Create a dedicated OCPI migration checklist. Test connections, tokens, and session start/stop flows post-migration.
5. Over-customizing too early
While customization can offer a competitive edge, doing it before the base system is stable can delay the entire project and introduce avoidable bugs.
Avoid it: First, migrate your core operations as-is. Customize only once you’ve validated stability on the new platform.
6. Misaligning the migration timeline
A poorly timed migration can clash with major launches, funding events, or seasonal usage peaks.
Avoid it: Plan migrations during low-traffic periods, and align with internal stakeholders across tech, ops, and support.
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your migration delivers the performance, freedom, and ROI you’re aiming for.
Plan smart, migrate right (with Solidstudio)
Switching to a new EV charging management platform is a chance to realign your entire business with where the industry is headed.
Whether your current system is holding you back with scalability issues, a lack of features, or vendor lock-in, a well-executed migration opens the door to more control, better performance, and future-proof infrastructure.
But to get it right, you need more than just a new tool. You need a clear roadmap, thorough testing, and a partner who understands the stakes.
At Solidstudio, we’ve helped CPOs and EMSPs migrate complex charging networks with zero disruption, from planning and OCPP testing to OCPI integration and custom platform extensions. If you’re considering a move, we’re here to help you de-risk the process and make every decision strategic.
Let’s talk migration
Thinking about migrating your EV charging software?Let’s talk about your network, your growth goals, and how to make the switch without compromise.
👉 Book a free consultation with our experts
EV charging platform migration FAQs
What triggers an EV charging software migration?
As your network grows, you may start experiencing limitations in your current system, from poor scalability and slow performance to vendor lock-in or missing features. Many operators migrate when their platform can no longer support growth, innovation, or compliance needs.
How complex is EV charging platform migration?
It’s more than just switching tools. Migration involves transferring backend systems, validating OCPP charger compatibility, reconnecting OCPI partners, and preserving service continuity. With the right tools and phased rollout strategy, complexity becomes manageable.
What should I consider before migrating EV charging software?
Start with your business goals: Will the new platform scale with your network? Can it integrate with your hardware and partners? Also consider risk tolerance, customization needs, and long-term data ownership.
Can I migrate my EV charging network without downtime?
Yes, if you approach it strategically. A phased migration, supported by test environments and simulators like Solidstudio’s Virtual Charge Point, allows you to minimize disruption and validate performance before going live.
What’s the difference between SaaS, licensed, and custom EV charging platforms?
- SaaS is fast and affordable to start with, but often limits flexibility and incurs long-term costs.
- Licensed solutions give you more control and lower long-term costs but require upfront investment.
Custom platforms offer flexibility and unique features but involve continuous development effort.