Get the one-of-a-kind ebook taking on the case of software migration for EV charging businesses.

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

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 for EV charging businesses

Having years of experience of dealing with all kinds of EV charging software undertakings, we now put forward a comprehensive ebook delving deep into the matters of software migration within the EV charging businesses.

The ebook comes for free and combines our Software Migration article series, OCPP Acceptance Testing Checklist and a bonus chapter covering the issue from an EMSP perspective all put together in a convenient and comprehensive publication.

product-based and business-strategic arguments in favour of software migration that are crucial during the decision making process

principal aspects to be taken into account when choosing a new software provider

the actual migration process - what are the key elements of successful migration

OCPP acceptance testing - checklist with use-cases, test procedures and expected outcomes

bonus chapter about EMSPs’ end-user app migration

Get the one-of-a-kind ebook taking on the case of software migration specifically for EV charging businesses.

Platform Migration for EV Charging Businesses

Get a better understanding of what makes up our products' suite

Experienced content writer with over 6 years of experience in the energy sector and many industry-related publications released.

Gabriela Stawiarska

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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

EV charging digital products - the walk through our suite

Upon the recently launched CPO pricing calculator, we elaborate on the business models!

Leading sales, Martyna had a chance to get to know most of our clients on top of having spoken to hundreds of people from the eMobility environment. She’s gained an in-depth understanding of what’s desired or unwanted in the business and she’s now applying that knowledge in her everyday job.

Martyna Wajda

Charge Point Operator platforms, eMobility Service Providers apps for end-users, Open Standards and facilitations for their integrations, eRoaming, smart charging, connected cars and the list that goes on - software solutions have 

solidified their place in the eMobility ecosystem

 and they’re now making up for a huge part of its proper functioning.

While an ordinary EV driver may not be aware of the amount of software running in the background and facilitating the whole electric car experience, it’s a case well-known to any eMobility operator, of which a great majority came across a rather difficult task of choosing the right digital products at some point.

There is a fair share of such on the market and quite a few available as ready-made products already. Many of them remain very similar in terms of the integrated functionalities and features. This includes open standards facilitations, user management, remote start/stop features, etc. While it’s fantastic to see the technology growth behind the industry, an operator choosing the right software must take into account a broader range of needs than just a great software. Here’s where the situation may get tricky for some of them. Existing solutions are usually offered via strict purchase patterns, which often start and end at SaaS (aka Software as a Service).

Much like in any other situation, SaaS has strong benefits for some of those operating in the eMobility ecosystem, yet it’s not a one-fits-all solution. In order to see why, we’ll elaborate a bit on both.

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a way of delivering software applications to customers over the Internet. Instead of buying and installing software on their computers, customers access the application through a web browser or mobile app. They can then share data and collaborate with other users in real-time. SaaS eliminates the need for expensive hardware and software licenses, meaning businesses save money and time on IT (at least when it comes to the upfront costs). With SaaS, users can access their applications anywhere and anytime, giving them flexibility and control over their data. Additionally, maintenance and upgrades are handled by the provider so users don’t have to worry about keeping their systems up-to-date.

There is however a major drawback of SaaS. Namely, the costs often increase as the business expands, which can make scaling a costly venture.

With that, for small business owners, SaaS can be an invaluable tool for streamlining business processes and increasing productivity – all without breaking the bank. By eliminating costly investments in hardware and software, businesses save money while still getting access to all the features they need.

Unlike SaaS, a software license is a traditional way of purchasing and using software. With this approach, businesses buy a specific number of licenses for the software they need and install it on their systems.The advantages to this approach are many. First and foremost, businesses don’t have to pay ongoing fees for the application. They’re also able to customize their software as needed, and they can use the licenses for any number of users.The main disadvantage of a license is that (sometimes) businesses have to take care of maintenance and upgrades themselves. Additionally, since businesses must pay upfront for the licenses, it can be more expensive to start with than using SaaS.

The biggest difference between SaaS and software license is the cost structure and ownership. With SaaS, businesses pay a monthly or annual fee to access the application. With a software license, businesses purchase a one-time license for the number of users they need and own it outright.

Another difference lies in who is responsible for maintenance and upgrades. With SaaS, the provider is responsible for keeping the software up-to-date. With a license, companies must take care of maintenance and upgrades themselves (it must be noted here, that there are however licensed solutions offering the updates).

We have covered a lot more on the similar topic in our article 

 - check it out to learn more in greater detail.

Having worked with all kinds of CPOs out there, whether small or big, we’ve noticed that said differences can directly affect the businesses depending on their scale or future goals. We have also noted that EV charging software is usually available only via SaaS, which in this particular case results in higher prices as the charging stations are added. In simple terms, the more the charging network grows, the more the monthly fee is bound to increase. While it may not be an obstacle for small operators with no views of siginifiacnt growth, the case gets slightly difficult for those who get to operate numerous sockets.

Given the rapid pace of growth within the eMobility industry and the fact that more and more CPOs are entering the market, at Solidstudio, we strongly believe that the freedom of choice is required when picking up the business model of the software, so that all can have a cost-effective and most optimal solution.

Knowing this and knowing the nuances behind the software purchase models, we decided to make our products available via either SaaS or license and even more… Namely, we give the flexibility to change the the model once either becomes more efficient. That way one can start with SaaS and then move to license once the amount of charging stations under control becomes more expensive to be held under SaaS than it would be with license. With that approach we made sure that our digital products are serving equally well for each and every client.

Since the two concepts of purchasing software may get a bit complicated and unclear at first, we thought it would be best if anyone could compare the specific prices and see the numbers for themselves.

With that in mind, we made available an online tool allowing for exactly that.

 compares any costs you choose with what it looks like with us - whether its licence or SaaS. You can enter whichever amount of charging stations you like (the more stations, the more you save). We also elaborate on some more details in terms of the benefits and drawbacks of each business model.

SaaS vs license - what works best for eMobility software?

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

To better understand the role of software within the EV charging sphere, we highly recommend also taking a look at our ebook. 

 can be downloaded for free for everyone.

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.

The Ultimate Guide to EV Charging Software Migration - the ebook

29 JUNE 2023 • 8 MIN READ

Software migration for EV charging businesses