Check out the new series of articles about the software migration in the EV charging business.

After founding Solidstudio, Pawel was an originator in terms of pursuing expertise in eMobility. With the build-up of a solid knowledge-base on industry’s needs & wants, he now keeps a close eye on products’ development. He’s also hugely responsible for the business’ side and designs the business models for our products.

Paweł Małkowiak

Following up on the previous entry from our Software Migration short series, we’re now moving a step further into the topic. While the introductory article took on the preliminary aspect of the whole issue which is the decision making process, this time we assume the decision has been made and it’s time to choose the new software provider.

Similarly to the decision making process, there’s a handful of things to consider before choosing the right provider to which one’s bound to migrate. When it comes to software migration, selecting the right software provider is a crucial decision with far-reaching implications. Not only does the choice impact the overall success of the migration process, but it also has significant financial implications for the organization. The selection process requires careful evaluation of various factors, including the provider's expertise, cost-effectiveness, and ability to mitigate potential risks. Assessing these financial aspects and potential risks becomes paramount to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the return on investment (ROI) for the organization. By meticulously considering these factors, businesses can make an informed decision that aligns with their objectives and minimizes the potential for financial setbacks and operational disruptions.

With the decision-making process, we have grouped the arguments into two categories: product-based and business-strategic. In like manner we can now look at the intricate task of choosing a new provider. Two major points to consider are the financial aspects and potential risks for the business.


New software for the EV charging business.

When considering the implementation of a new software provider for electric vehicle charging, financial aspects and potential risks hold particular significance. The rapidly growing demand for EV charging infrastructure necessitates a reliable and efficient software solution that can accommodate the increasing number of users and vehicles. Choosing the right software provider entails evaluating their pricing structure, considering factors such as installation costs, ongoing maintenance fees, and scalability options. Additionally, potential risks such as system downtime, data security breaches, and compatibility issues with existing infrastructure must be thoroughly assessed. As EV charging software plays a critical role in customer satisfaction and revenue generation, businesses must weigh the financial implications and potential risks associated with the new software provider to ensure a seamless and cost-effective transition to support the future of electric mobility.


Choosing the new software provider - financial aspects

In the realm of software solutions, it is evident that the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model has gained immense popularity. The majority of existing software providers predominantly offer their solutions through SaaS, leaving organizations with limited alternatives in terms of business models. While SaaS offers benefits such as easy access and regular updates, it may not always align with the specific needs and preferences of every business. 

Unfortunately, the lack of alternative business models from software providers often restricts organizations from exploring options that may better suit their unique requirements

. The widely-adopted SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) model has its advantages, but it may not be suitable or satisfying for everyone. One of the key advantages of SaaS is that it relieves businesses from the burden of maintaining and managing the software, allowing them to focus on their core operations. Additionally, SaaS offers low capital expenditure (CAPEX) as businesses primarily incur operational expenditure (OPEX) costs. This makes it particularly appealing for startups with smaller charging networks, as it provides a cost-effective solution.

However, there are notable disadvantages to consider. As a business grows and expands its charging network, the costs associated with SaaS increase proportionally. The more chargers a business has, the higher the costs can rise, potentially reaching overburdening figures. This scalability issue raises concerns about the long-term financial sustainability of using SaaS. Moreover, SaaS sometimes does not provide the flexibility to customize the software to match specific needs, limiting the ability to gain a competitive advantage in the market.

As businesses contemplate growth and the expansion of their charging networks, it becomes crucial to consider alternatives to SaaS. Migrating to a software provider that offers a licensed model alongside SaaS could be a viable option.

 By transitioning to a licensed model, businesses can gain more control over the software and potentially mitigate the soaring costs associated with scaling up the charging network. Evaluating different business models and carefully weighing the financial implications will allow organizations to make informed decisions and ensure sustainable growth in the electric vehicle charging industry.

Another possibility for acquiring software is to have it custom made to meet the specific needs and preferences of a business. Custom software development involves creating a solution from scratch or modifying existing software to fit the unique requirements of an organization and may also be a pivotal argument in choosing the new provider.

Choosing the new software provider - customization & uniqueness

Custom-made software for EV charging offers distinct advantages that address the specific challenges and opportunities in the industry. 

By collaborating closely with software developers or development teams experienced in EV charging solutions, businesses can ensure that the software is built to perfectly match their workflows, charging infrastructure, and customer needs.

 This level of customization enables seamless integration with existing systems, resulting in enhanced efficiency and operational effectiveness.

Moreover, custom-made software allows EV charging businesses to differentiate themselves from competitors and gain a competitive edge. By incorporating specialized features and functionalities, such as advanced charging management algorithms, dynamic pricing capabilities, or seamless integration with renewable energy sources, businesses can offer unique value propositions to their customers. This tailored approach empowers businesses to optimize their operations, deliver a superior charging experience, and align their software with their brand identity.

Custom software can also be easily scalable, allowing businesses to adapt and grow without facing the same scalability issues often associated with SaaS models.

However, opting for custom-made software in an EV charging business does come with potential disadvantages that should be taken into consideration. One significant drawback is the high upfront costs associated with custom development. Building software from scratch or customizing existing solutions can require a substantial investment in terms of time, resources, and skilled professionals. Additionally, the development process itself can be time-consuming, resulting in longer development times compared to off-the-shelf solutions. This extended timeline may delay the implementation of the software and hinder the business's ability to adapt quickly to market demands.

Choosing the new provider - mitigating risks & safeguarding the solution

When evaluating a new software provider for an EV charging business, it is essential to carefully consider the factor of risk. Transitioning to a new software solution inherently carries certain risks that need to be mitigated to ensure a smooth implementation and ongoing operations. One significant risk is the potential disruption to charging services during the transition phase. Any downtime or service interruptions can lead to dissatisfied customers, revenue loss, and damage to the business's reputation. Compatibility issues between the new software and existing charging infrastructure are also a risk, as they can result in operational inefficiencies and delays in providing charging services. 

It is crucial to assess the reliability and stability of the software provider, considering factors such as their track record, customer reviews, and the availability of comprehensive support services. Here’s where it might be a good idea to go with a provider that has proven history in creating solutions designed specifically for the industry. 

Additionally, data security and privacy risks should be thoroughly evaluated to safeguard sensitive customer information and comply with industry regulations. Similarly, to what we’ve touched upon in the previous entry of the series, the matter of data ownership comes to play here. The software that governs charging stations stands as a vital element in a CPO's infrastructure.

 Unfortunately, this software is commonly owned and managed by a third party, leaving CPOs vulnerable to risks that are beyond their control. 

The substantial investment made in establishing a network of chargers further magnifies these risks, underscoring the importance for CPOs to evaluate potential hazards and implement measures to mitigate them. 

One potential remedy is to transition to proprietary software or acquire a license, reducing reliance on third-party providers and granting CPOs greater autonomy over their systems.

 By thoroughly assessing and managing these risks, EV charging businesses can choose a software provider that minimizes potential disruptions, ensures operational continuity, and supports their growth and success in the rapidly evolving EV charging market.

It’s probably every year that we get to hear that it’s the most technology-progressing year to date. And it’s most probably always true, given the galloping pace of the tech industry worldwide. Staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements has become more important than ever before. The emergence of new hardware, software, and AI solutions has created new opportunities for businesses to streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge. However, the momentum of innovation in the tech industry has become so unparalleled, that businesses which fail to adapt and evolve with the times are bound to fall behind.

With that, in times so inundated with newly-introduced breakthroughs and changes of direction, one must put a great effort to stay afloat. This includes making often gnarly decisions on what’s the best for the company here and now. Entrepreneurs are left with the need to carefully evaluate which technologies are relevant to their specific needs, plan for their adoption, and ensure that their teams are trained to use them effectively. Those who do not take proactive steps to embrace the latest technological advancements risk being left behind by their competitors.

All this is highly applicable to anyone using any type of software. Those who run their business with the use of digital technology, will at some point face the intricate case of software migration.

It’s becoming an especially daring task once the aforementioned software manages an entire charging network reckoning thousands of charging points.

Software migration in EV charging business - what drives the need?

The growth of electric vehicles has fueled the development of software solutions aimed at streamlining the EV charging business. Software developers are creating innovative applications that enable EV drivers to find and reserve charging stations, pay for their charging sessions, and monitor their charging status remotely. These software solutions are also helping charging station operators to manage their charging infrastructure more efficiently by providing real-time data on charging usage, optimizing energy distribution, and identifying maintenance needs. Additionally, software is being developed to integrate EV charging with smart grids, allowing for better load management and the use of renewable energy sources.

With ongoing advancements in software development, the EV charging business is becoming more user-friendly, reliable, and environmentally sustainable. However, there are some obstacles on the path to achieving the optimum pitch. Here’s where continuous upgrades, including software migration, strike as a must.

Software migration involves transferring an existing software system from one environment to another, such as switching operating systems, hardware platforms, or programming languages. This is typically necessary when organizations need to update or replace their software to keep up with their evolving needs and the latest technology. Software migration can be a complex and challenging process, and it requires careful planning, testing, and execution to ensure a successful outcome.

Within the eMobility ecosystem one can observe a vivid differentiation between Charge Point Operators and the software providers, leaving some of the crucial data in the latter hands. Meanwhile it's the CPOs that happen to know the industry best and experience first-handedly how the needs are changing.

Prime example of such change is the volume of chargers that comes to the equation and the legacy tech stack. 

(Legacy tech stack refers to a set of outdated technologies, tools, and programming languages that are still in use in various software applications and systems. These technologies were popular in the past but have become obsolete or are no longer widely supported by their respective vendors

While legacy tech stack may still work, it can create various issues for businesses, including security vulnerabilities, higher maintenance costs, and a lack of scalability

). In the eMobility business, legacy tech stack (that’s still in use by some) was designed to serve a couple hundred charging stations at best. Nowadays, some operators have thousands of chargers within one network and require a whole new level of adjustability from the software solutions that are used to manage the network.

As software continues to evolve, outdated versions become less reliable and less secure. Newer software solutions offer upgraded features and enhanced security, making them a more enticing option for users. Businesses must adapt to stay competitive in the ever-changing digital landscape.

To focus strictly on how that’s driven within the eMobility industry, we distinguish two prime areas within which one needs to decide on the pros and cons of software upgrades. The first involves all the rudimentary arguments regarding the digital products themselves. The second requires some more thoughts and is touching upon the strategic aspects of running a business.

Product-based arguments in favour of software migration

As briefly mentioned before, the first area that needs to be considered involves all the aspects relating to a certain digital product as such. This mostly includes the rough technicalities. As for the EV charging software, there’s a few main points to deliberate over:

In addition to the above, there are several other reasons why businesses in the EV charging industry may need to consider software migration. For example, outdated software may be incompatible with new hardware, making it difficult to integrate with the latest charging infrastructure. Additionally, new regulations and industry standards may require businesses to update their software to newer versions.

But for now let’s focus on the 4 main points.

As the EV charging industry continues to evolve, businesses may find that their current software lacks essential features that are now in demand. For instance, customers may expect to have access to real-time information on charging station availability and pricing, as well as the ability to reserve and pay for charging sessions through a mobile app. If businesses fail to provide these features, they risk losing customers to competitors with more advanced software solutions.

Outdated software in the EV charging industry may be unstable and prone to errors, leading to system crashes and downtime. The main issue that can cause major inaccuracies in the case of EV charging software is the lack of stable options for scaling up. As businesses grow and add more charging stations to their infrastructure, operators must ensure that the software can handle a higher number of sockets or clients without experiencing system failures. For instance, if a software solution can only handle a certain number of charging stations or users, it can become overwhelmed and crash when businesses try to add more chargers to their network. Upgrading to new software with more advanced features and scalable options can help businesses avoid system failures, reduce downtime, and ensure the smooth operation of their charging infrastructure as they grow.

When businesses in the EV charging industry experience technical issues with their outdated software, they may have to deal with lengthy waiting times for ticket resolution. For example, if a charging station becomes disconnected from the software system, it may be difficult for businesses to diagnose and fix the problem without technical support from the software vendor. In some cases, businesses may have to wait for days or even weeks for a ticket resolution, leading to increased downtime and lost revenue. By upgrading to new software, businesses can receive faster and more reliable technical support, reducing waiting times and minimizing disruptions to their charging infrastructure.

Outdated EV charging software may also fail to meet legal requirements set by regulatory bodies, leading to compliance issues and potentially even fines or legal action. Regulations around EV charging infrastructure can vary by region and may include requirements related to data privacy, accessibility, and environmental impact. If businesses are using outdated software that does not meet these requirements, they risk running afoul of regulatory bodies and facing legal consequences. By upgrading to newer software solutions that are compliant with relevant regulations, businesses can ensure they are operating within legal guidelines and avoid any potential legal or financial repercussions.


Business-strategic arguments in favour of software migration

The second side of the decision-making process involves less straightforward and transparent aspects. It goes beyond the easily-measured technicalities and reaches the more risky business-strategic field. While it may look intimidating to some of the business owners, the right decision within this sphere may lead to significant highs and prosperous growth. Below, we list some of the points to consider when assessing the strategic aspects.

In the EV charging business, data ownership is a major concern, and it may be a good reason for businesses to migrate to a different software provider. With outdated software, businesses may not have complete control over their data, and may even face legal issues related to data ownership and privacy. This especially happens with a SaaS business model. Given the amount of data held by Charge Point Operators and eMobility Service Providers (often including sensitive payment details), companies may have specific policies regarding the storage and usage of their data, and may not be comfortable hosting it on a third-party cloud without proper security measures. By migrating to a new software provider, businesses can ensure that they have complete control over their data, comply with relevant data protection regulations, and host their data in a secure and compliant manner.

Risk assessment is a critical aspect of any business, and the EV charging industry is no exception. One of the most crucial components within a CPO's infrastructure is the software that controls their charging stations. However, this software is often owned and controlled by a third party, leaving CPOs exposed to potential risks that they may have little control over. Investing millions in a network of chargers only amplifies these risks, making it essential for CPOs to assess the potential hazards and implement mitigation strategies. One solution could be to migrate to proprietary software or purchase a license to reduce dependency on third-party providers and gain more control over their systems. By taking proactive measures to address potential risks, CPOs can minimize disruptions and protect their business from financial and reputational harm.

Upgrading to new software can provide businesses with access to cutting-edge features and functionality, giving them an edge over their competitors. By contrast, using outdated software can limit a business's ability to innovate and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Old software can sometimes prevent upgrades and new features from being added unless every other user has them too (this usually happens with SaaS solutions). This can leave all the businesses in the industry with the same limited solution, reducing the opportunity for a competitive edge. By assessing the available software options and migrating to a software provider that allows for custom changes within a unique IP, businesses can gain an even greater competitive edge. By owning the unique IP, a CPO can ensure that any customization or changes made to the software remain their intellectual property and are not freely used by others. Purchasing a license for a proprietary software solution can provide a CPO with full control over their software and the ability to customize it to their specific needs, without worrying about other users in the industry having access to the same features.

To remain competitive in today's fast-paced technological world, it is essential for businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in software, hardware, and AI solutions. This is especially true for those in the EV charging industry, as software solutions are continuously being developed to streamline EV charging and make it more environmentally sustainable. However, with the rapid pace of technological innovation, businesses must also be willing to adapt and evolve with the times. Software migration, although a complex and challenging process, is necessary for companies to keep up with evolving needs and the latest technology. By doing so, businesses can ensure they are meeting the requirements of their customers, complying with regulations, and maintaining a competitive edge.

Software migration - decision making. Why to start thinking about it in the EV charging industry?

See our friendly reminder about the importance of software in eMobility services.

As the post-conference feeling is still in the air after the International Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition in Oslo, there are also many interesting observations and remarks.

The first that comes to mind is definitely how far has eMobility come in the last few years. And it’s been a long ride filled with innovation and groundbreaking changes implemented one by one. The progress in hardware is astounding to the point where some of the devices could merit a sci-fi label. From new-world chargers powering an electric truck at 1.5 MWh, to electric helicopters looking a bit like flying cars, it’s free to say that eMobility is here to stay and such events are the best proof.


Electric helicopter showcased at EVS35 conference in Oslo

What was also a bit surprising is that amongst hundreds of hardware and business exhibitors, there were very few representatives of the software side behind all of it. And yet, it plays a huge role in making it all possible.

Sure thing, possibly the most important aspect behind the mass EV adoption are the cars and the chargers. It’s what attracts the customer first and makes one join the green side of transportation. However, one must remember that it is the digital products that run the EV show in the background.

Charging networks, especially smart ones (aka the ones that bring the most opportunities to the field), can be deemed “smart” solely because of the backend platforms enabling the data exchange between a car, a charger and energy provider. 

run the entire charging station pools remotely, with the use of such programs in a way that ensures a seamless continuity of operation, even when there’s a high demand or minor issues.

 is still one of the biggest eMobility obstacles, reassurance in a smooth charging networks operation is one of the crucial steps to take in order to dispel doubts about it.

 - the figures that take care of the end-users, EV drivers. Most charging stations can be utilized from start to finish via the use of a dedicated app. Electric vehicle users now can not only start charging and get billed from the comfort of their phones, but also perform actions such as a charger reservation or price optimization depending on a tariff. It’s a facility necessary to promote EVs, giving their owners a peace of mind on longer routes as well as daily commute.

Software also runs the charging from a wider perspective. As there are numerous Charge Point Operators and eMobility Service Providers across the regions, a way has been found to unify their services so that they can serve as many EV drivers as possible. eRoaming comes into play allowing for multi-dimensional connection between operators and EV drivers.

In short, eRoaming can be established via the use of hubs and protocols. A hub here can be an open platform which, after subscribing, can be used by many operators, who operate on common terms. This all happens in such a way that a certain charging pool introduced to a common hub can then be easily used by clients (EV drivers) of different providers. Such a solution allows electric vehicle users to charge their car across cities/countries with limited hussle. The solution is entirely facilitated through a complex cloud-like backend system.

Software plays a big role also in keeping the energy distribution as sustainable as it gets. Through the backend smart charging facilities, charging stations can monitor and adjust electricity used so that the grid remains safe from overrunning its capacities. What’s more it’s also the digital products that, to a great extent, allow for V2G technology. Namely, one of the smart charging features facilitates the process of pushing the extra energy from an EV’s battery back to the grid, ensuring no energy is wasted and rooting the industry deeper in its eco-friendly aspects.

Finally, apart from the charging-maintenance aspects, software reaches further, all the way to its impact on transportation as a whole. Something called connected car data is being used across all types of vehicles for a while now. Connected cars are capable of gathering all sorts of information. From principle information, such as the speed or location, through engine status and malfunctions all the way to details such as whether the door was locked. Information is then used for many ways, from enabling shared transportation and services like Uber, to data used by insurance companies.

It’s free to say that software in eMobility touches all its aspects and makes improvements in all areas.

: As software becomes increasingly important in the development of new electric vehicles, companies that have strong software development teams will be able to bring new products to market faster and more efficiently.

: software can be used to improve the performance of existing electric vehicles. For example, software updates can be used to increase the range of an electric vehicle or to improve its charging time.

: software can be used to develop new chargers that are more efficient and easier to use. This will help to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

: software can be used to improve the efficiency of existing charging stations. For example, software updates can be used to increase the speed of charging or to reduce the amount of energy wasted during charging.

: software can be used to develop new apps and services that make it easier for people to use electric vehicles. For example, software can be used to develop an app that helps people find the nearest charging station.

Given all the aspects of the eMobility world enabled by software solutions, it’s pretty evident that electric vehicles are software-dependent, and this is likely to continue in the future. As such, it is important for companies operating in the eMobility space to have a strong software development team, whether in-house or outsourced to ensure the highest level of smoothly-running services.

Why does software matter in eMobility?

See our response to the dilemma of what suits you best in terms of eMobility software products

There are many classifications on which one may categorize software products and services. From a whole plethora of different aspects, one that seems to be worthy of consideration in the e-Mobility software world is certainly the one taking on how a product is acquired.

Charge Point Operators and e-Mobility Service Providers

 will eventually face the task of choosing appropriate software to run their charging networks (unless they have their own dev team ready to build it from scratch - a fairly rare occurrence).

With a careful selection of the most suitable IT solution, one of the core questions to answer is whether to come down in favor of an off-the-shelf product or to get it customarily developed.

Custom vs ready-made: general breakthrough

Generally speaking, both have a multitude of advantages, much like some drawbacks. It’s crucial to understand what both of the options bring to the table.

, the first thing that comes into play for many companies may be how long it will take before their investment can yield a return and generate profits. As an old saying goes ‘time is money’ and thus, those who care about rather fast implementation and launch, would certainly lean towards ready-made solutions.

Being already on the market and broadly-available, makes the aforementioned option a cheaper one as it does not require hiring a team of devs and putting them to work for what might be a few months. Those who are on tight budgets or simply not willing to spend too much, will certainly look favorably to getting ready products.

Finally, there’s less risk of failure. Off-the-shelf products usually had their fair share of being tested inside out by many. This allowed their developers and manufacturers to implement necessary ameliorations and adjustments.

However it’s not all fun and games… There are some major obstacles in terms of read-made solutions. Missing crucial features is one of them. Broadly-available software products tend to be created in such a way as to suit the basic requirements of many different, potential customers. Unfortunately, there's no one-size fits all solution when it comes to IT. With such an approach, some of the more specific features can be omitted, leaving some gaps in fulfilling all the needs of a certain company - this is where custom development still comes in place even with off-the-shelf software.

, one gains the assurance of getting all the necessary functionalities. There is also guarantee of no need in paying for features which are of no use. Custom development is the best solution if one needs only one or two particular features of an enterprise package, but there are no corresponding ready-made products on the market.

It also allows one to choose the best programming language and be able to work with new technologies while, in some cases, ready-made software is limited to a pre-set list of technologies.

With custom development the product can be adjusted to meet all the latest requirements and security standards which sometimes aren't included in ready-made software products. In addition, some old versions of ready-made software may lose market leadership or be left without support from software vendors.

There isn’t one definite answer here. Again, it all boils down to a well-thought-out choosing of what suits particular needs best. The more CPOs and EMPs are out there, the more different requirements and desires can arise.

Having said that, it must be underlined that eMobility operates as a part of a bigger ecosystem and stays interconnected with other branches, which may lead to eventual tie-ins. For example: the possibility to charge an EV can become an add-on function for a smart-home app, CPO platform may require rearranging tariffs management system or invoicing flow, etc.

The industry is known to evolve quickly. Rapid pace reinforces building innovation on top of 'must-have' functionalities. With Open Standards regularly upgrading to new versions, incoming CPOs and EMPs integrating with charging networks or ever-growing EVSE, one must stay on top of the software game in order to stay afloat in the business. Here’s where custom development may significantly help - but that doesn’t mean it’s the only good option out there.

Once again, it’s all in the careful choosing.

Custom vs off-the-shelf? Solidstudio’s bold response - the best of both worlds.

After years of gaining expertise of developing custom eMobility software, the decision of building our 

 came in rather organically. Knowing all the industry nuances and having a chance to talk to numerous EMPs and CPOs, including the small ones and the biggest players in the field, we got a good grasp on what’s really going on in the EV business world.

This is where the idea of developing customizable product backbones.

With some great efforts, our eMobility experts have managed to deliver a 

 (that comes with supporting web application) and 

, both fully customizable to suit specific needs. They’re designed in the form of a solid software backbone, and thus can pose as a product core on which every client can then build (with our continuous support) a product that matches their individual requirements.

Such a solution allows our customers to easily navigate through their needs and wants, depending on what is necessary. 

Whether they’re looking for a complete app, a ready app that still needs to be adjusted with specific functionalities, or a custom development from scratch, we’re well positioned to deliver whatever is needed in a form that suits the clients’ best interests.

 The broad range of amenities has been extended even to the settlement - as the products can be sold either on proprietary licensing (one-time fee) or as a flexible SaaS plan.

With hands-on experience, eMobility dev experts, many successfully finished projects and constantly staying up-to-date with the latest news, we are ready to take on any eMobility-related challenge and guide our clients through the best solutions, even when they’re not entirely sure what would work best for them.

See our response to the dilemma of whether to choose an off-the-shelf software or get it customarily developed

Software migration - choosing the new provider for eMobility software

19 MAY 2023 • 7 MIN READ