E-Mobility

EV charging digital products - the walk through our suite

23 JUNE 2023 • 2 MIN READ

Gabriela Stawiarska

Gabriela

Stawiarska

Digital EV charging products

With the ever-growing interest in our products and the EV industry reaching an all-time high, we recently shared some more information about our digital eMobility products on our social media channels. We’re now adding a short walk-through here, for those who look for a concise presentation.

EV charging management software. SaaS vs license - our approach

In today's market, there is no shortage of off-the-shelf products offering similar functionalities. While it is exciting to see technological advancements, operators must look beyond mere technical capabilities and consider the broader business perspective. This can be challenging since existing solutions typically adhere to rigid purchase patterns, predominantly offering Software as a Service (SaaS) options.

Based on our extensive experience working with various Charge Point Operators (CPOs), both in small and large businesses, we have observed that this situation can directly impact companies based on their scale and future objectives. To put it simply, as the charging network expands, the monthly fees tend to increase with SaaS. While this may not pose a problem for small operators with no plans for significant growth, it becomes challenging for those managing numerous sockets

Considering the rapid growth within the eMobility industry and the increasing number of CPOs entering the market, at Solidstudio, we strongly believe in the importance of freedom of choice when selecting a business model for software. This ensures that all stakeholders can have a cost-effective and optimal solution.

Understanding the intricacies of software purchase models, we have taken a proactive approach. Our flagship products are now available as both SaaS and licensed options, providing flexibility and the ability to switch between models as needed. This means that users can start with SaaS and then transition to a license when the number of charging stations under their control makes the SaaS model more expensive than a license would be. With this approach, we ensure that our digital products cater equally well to every client's needs.

CPO Platform

Positioned as the forefront of our comprehensive suite of solutions, our CPO platform serves as the primary software solution for facilitating EV charging management for Charge Point Operators. We understand that the needs of operators vary, which is why our platform offers two flexible business models: license or SaaS. This allows us to cater to the requirements of both large and small operators without imposing excessive costs.

Right from the start, our platform incorporates open standards, ensuring that it meets market requirements and enables seamless peer-to-peer or hub connections. Moreover, it remains open for further customization, allowing operators to tailor it to their specific needs.

With a proven track record of success and an extensive library of pre-existing tests, our platform guarantees optimal efficiency for every CPO, regardless of their brand or the number of chargers they manage. The platform is designed to deliver exceptional performance and streamline operations for any charging network - big or small.

EMSP Application

Our solution for eMobility Service Providers is a white-label mobile app available for both iOS and Android platforms. The app is complemented by a robust backend solution tailored for eMobility Service Providers, enabling them to efficiently manage their operations.

One of the key highlights of our app is the ability to implement the client's preferred design, ensuring a completely customizable user interface. This allows service providers to create a branded app that aligns with their unique identity. Beyond its visually appealing and user-friendly design, our app also boasts comprehensive billing and invoicing functions that cater to both EV drivers and service providers. This ensures a seamless payment experience, with flexible options such as Apple Pay or credit card payments, making transactions easy and hassle-free.

In our commitment to providing unparalleled flexibility and adaptability, we go beyond just a white-label app. We also provide our eMSP solution in an API-first form. This means that the API can be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructure, enriching the existing products with cutting-edge EV charging features. This API-first approach ensures that our solution can be easily integrated and customized to meet the unique needs of each customer, delivering maximum value and efficiency.

OCPP gateway

Serving as a vital link between charging stations and their operators, our gateway unlocks a wide range of possibilities for device management, transaction handling, security, smart charging functionalities, and support for displays, among other features. This is made possible through the seamless OCPP connection.

Our gateway is designed to be compatible with any charging station that supports OCPP, making it an incredibly versatile and user-friendly tool for operators. With a proven track record of successful implementations with numerous customers, it has demonstrated its ability to function smoothly and reliably, eliminating the need for extensive testing procedures. This not only saves time but also reduces costs for our users.

To ensure the highest levels of flexibility for our clients, we offer the gateway in two maintenance options. It can be installed either on-premise or via cloud computing. This allows operators to choose the deployment method that aligns best with their specific requirements and infrastructure. Whether it's an on-site installation or a cloud-based solution, our gateway seamlessly adapts to meet the unique needs of each client.

OCPI Gateway

Acting as a crucial anti-corruption layer, our gateway utilizes OCPI connection to seamlessly and securely link Charge Point Operators and eMobility Service Providers within the ecosystem, whether it's through hubs or peer-to-peer connections.

OCPI is designed to facilitate scalable and automated EV roaming by enabling information exchange between CPOs and eMSPs regarding charge points. It empowers seamless communication by providing session information, including location details, facilitating remote commands (such as reservation commands), generating charge detail records (CDRs) for billing purposes, and authorizing charging sessions through token exchange. OCPI plays a vital role in enhancing the interoperability and efficiency of EV charging systems.

With a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional service, we offer comprehensive onboarding support for implementing our gateway product. Thanks to its successful integration with numerous customers, our gateway has proven its ability to be up-and-running swiftly, eliminating the need for time-consuming testing procedures. This ultimately saves valuable time and resources for our users.

Separate tools but one ecosystem - our perspective

By implementing a well-established diversification strategy within the EV ecosystem, Solidstudio aims to create a thriving environment where eMobility businesses can flourish and find their ideal place in the market. We understand that the EV industry is multifaceted, encompassing various entities such as Charge Point Operators, eMobility Service Providers, and more. Each entity has its distinct roles and responsibilities, requiring specialized tools and solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Clear separation between these entities and the tools they utilize is paramount. It ensures that the system remains efficient, scalable, and easy to maintain. When there is a clear division of roles and responsibilities, it fosters collaboration and synergy among different stakeholders, promoting a harmonious ecosystem.

At Solidstudio, we prioritize developing products and solutions that cater to the specific requirements of each entity. Our comprehensive understanding of the industry enables us to design and deliver solutions that are best-fitted for their intended roles. Whether it's providing robust charging infrastructure management tools for Charge Point Operators or offering flexible and user-friendly platforms for eMobility Service Providers, our goal is to empower businesses with the right tools to thrive in the rapidly evolving EV market.

In addition to our focus on diversification and clear separation, we also recognize the value of providing a comprehensive and integrated solution for those embarking on a full-circle charging venture. Our suite of products can seamlessly merge into one powerful, end-to-end ecosystem, enabling efficient management of all aspects of the charging process, from backend maintenance to utilization by end-users.

With our integrated suite, businesses can streamline their operations and gain complete control over the entire charging infrastructure. Our backend maintenance tools ensure that the charging stations are monitored, maintained, and optimized for highest performance. This includes functionalities such as remote diagnostics, firmware updates, and real-time monitoring, allowing operators to proactively address any issues and minimize downtime.

Moreover, our ecosystem extends to cater to the needs of end-users through a user-friendly mobile application that enables drivers to locate charging stations, initiate charging sessions, and monitor the progress of their charging in real-time. This seamless integration between backend management and end-user utilization ensures a smooth and convenient experience for both operators and EV drivers.