Our CTO, Piotr, joined OCA in celebration of their decade on the market. See a quick recap!

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

Gabriela Stawiarska

Amidst the charming canals and historic architecture of Amsterdam, our CTO, Piotr recently joined Open Charge Alliance (OCA) in celebrating a remarkable milestone - their 10th anniversary. For the past decade, OCA has been a strong player in revolutionizing EV charging through open standards and collaborative efforts. Gathering with industry leaders and enthusiasts in this vibrant city, the event not only celebrated a decade of hard work but also looked ahead to the future of the industry via discussion panels and presentations.

OCA, who is the owner of Open Charge Point Protocol, kicked off their 10th anniversary with an opening dinner along with rewards for the most active OCPP contributors. The evening was a tribute not only to a decade of existing on the market but also to the dedicated individuals and organizations that have contributed to the development and adoption of the Open Charge Point Protocol. Recognizing the most active contributors, the OCA honored those who have significantly impacted the EV charging industry through their technical expertise and collaborative spirit.

The second day unfolded into a full-fledged conference with insightful panels and discussions covering all facets of eMobility. Industry experts got into topics ranging from the latest technological advancements to policy developments and market trends. Some sessions served as a sobering reality check, highlighting the challenges that still lie ahead for widespread EV adoption and infrastructure development.

The event culminated on the third day with an exclusive tour of leading eMobility companies in the region.

A significant highlight of the anniversary celebrations was the announcement that on October 20th, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published the approval of OCPP as an IEC International Standard, designated as 

. This accreditation is a testament to the OCA's decade-long commitment to promoting open, interoperable EV charging solutions worldwide.

Download our biggest industry publication and uncover eMobility nuances with our ebook.

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

At Solidstudio, we’ve been on the eMobility journey for almost 5 years now and one thing we can for sure say about it, is that it was extremely knowledge-accumulating.

From business to tech, all industry aspects whether it’s the pricing structure and stakeholders mapping, all the way to technicalities and features of eMobility-based software, we’ve been through an in-depth practice. Having experienced that, we also know how difficult it may get at first to grasp the hold of the industry and its different branches

With that in mind, we decided to gather years worth of publications from our experts and put them altogether in one comprehensive piece covering various aspects of the EV industry.

Our comprehensive new ebook is a must-read for everyone looking to get up close and personal with the electric vehicle industry. From experienced electric mobility professionals wishing to standardize their knowledge, right through to those who are just starting out in the sector - this book has something for all!

The ebook sets aside 7 chapters that are broken up into smaller parts covering more specific details. All kicked off by a comprehensive glossary, it leads its reader through eMobility one aspect at a time.

The chapter covers a few words about where it all started and how it's currently going with EVs around the world. Given, EVs have come a long way since the first model was introduced in 1884, it’s worth noting how today EVs are becoming increasingly popular around the world - from China to Europe and America.

Electric car charging has become one of the hottest topics surrounding EVs, and consequently a major source of confusion for many potential buyers. Although significant gaps in infrastructure exist worldwide, there are still plenty of charge point operators fighting to prove that these green technologies bring great value despite any skeptics attempting to discredit them. In the chapter, we elaborate on matters such as:

Interoperability: open standards and eRoaming hubs

Navigating the world of eMobility can be a complex undertaking. In our third chapter, we investigate how eRoaming and open standards serve as vital connectors between Charging Point Operators, EV Drivers and more - bridging multi-dimensional gaps enabling better access to charging infrastructure for all. We take an in-depth look at what each hub offers along with the key functionalities behind these powerful tools that simplify universal connection across many networks. In the ebook, we touch upon:

Structure of the industry - pricing and stakeholders

There are many different units, regulations or even location-based factors that impact the tariffs, payment methods and billing systems. In the chapter we aim to shed light on the stakeholders that come into play (Charge Point Operator, eMobility Service Provider, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Manufacturer) and the financial liabilities between them.

eMobility vs environment - the ecological aspects

Electric vehicles are driving global environmental transformation. As government incentives propel their mass adoption, this chapter seeks to explore the full extent of all that EVs bring to our planet – from reduced air pollution and energy conservation, through arguably more sustainable infrastructure investments, up until detailing what really makes electric cars greener than traditional ones.

Governmental incentives and initiatives advocating the mass EV adoption

The impact of electric vehicles on the environment is one of the most fundamental and widely discussed topics related to eMobility. It’s also the primary inducement of the broadly-promoted mass adoption and various governmental undertakings in the pursuit of it. Here, we'll share some of the biggest EV-advocating initiatives.


The book can be downloaded for free from the box on the left side of the page.

eMobility Fundamentals - the eBook

Check out the presentation about the leading eMobility players presented by our CEO.

Hello, I’m Paweł and I'm co-founder and CEO of Solidstudio. Today I'd like to cover the topic of the digital products in the eMobility ecosystem to build a basic understanding of what is doing what and what the responsibilities are.

I covered this slide many many times before for all our partners to basically be on the same page, regarding the vocabulary. Which products are what and what they are doing in this ecosystem? Today we don’t have a major presentation in front of me, instead I'm going to take you through this very basic slide. I hope that after this brief session you will have a little bit more understanding of how different actors are communicating with each other in this ecosystem. We won’t take on more advanced subjects (like eRoaming Hubs). We’ll go through the two basic digital products you can build on your own - be the software provider or buy off-the-shelf solutions either on the Saas license basis. We will cover roaming a little bit but more like peer-to-peer for the sake of linking those products together.

The roles within the ecosystem - eMobility Service Provider

Let’s start with the end-user perspective. What's actually happening is that the EV driver needs to have the possibility to search for the charging station. We have got our EV driver, who has the mobile application. Users are holding their phone with the eMSP application in place ( eMSP or eMP - it’s the eMobility service provider application). In this kind of applications usually you can: login, register, find charging stations, see the tariffs, navigate to them and basically start charging. That would be the first player - a company that acts as an eMSP. What we briefly covered are the functionalities that every eMSP should be able to offer

. The eMSP is actually that party that takes care of the customers.

 It should: know how to set pricing and present it to the EV drivers, how to do the marketing, how to manage subscriptions and how to make their users reuse their app again. This is very basic differentiation, but I believe that in this case, the EMSP application is responsible for handling EV drivers and is mostly focused on the B2C market. Of course, I mentioned before that the EV driver should be able to search for the stations in the eMSP site, but since the eMSP doesn't really know them at this place yet, there is a need to present a second player.

The roles within the ecosystem - Charge Point Operator

So, the second player is the Charge Point Operator, who needs to use the software to manage their charging network. In essence, the Charge Point Operator is an organization or a company that is managing their stations. This is the main, fundamental differentiation between the EMSP and the CPO. We will cover how they communicate in a second part. We need to realize that EMSP is covering the user interactions and CPO is covering everything that goes with the charger. Here we get the link. So how does it happen that those two parties understand each other and know what to display? This is where the OCPI protocol comes in. But, let's take a pause here.

You can meet many different instances that actually mix those two digital products into one - it is also possible. In Solidstudio, we believe that clear separation of duties and responsibilities is a very important factor, when it comes to building digital products. So in our solutions, you can find a very clear differentiation. This division allows you to actually buy or build one of those products, without necessity to have both. There’s of course a challenge how to make them talk to each other.

The custom API is always the option.This is not always the best one, because even though it can work in your internal ecosystem. We need to remember that there are multiple players in the market. If you've got the custom API (either on the eMSP side or on the CPO side) everybody who wants to connect to you, will be required to actually fulfill your contract. If there's going to be 10 different parties that like to connect to you, basically they need to do the same work 10 times. That's why the Open Standards has been invented and that's why we basically structure all our domain models on the OCPI.

Of course, if you've got two products: the CPO and the EMSP and they can be seen from a very high perspective as the one digital entity, under the hood those are two separated products that talk to each other through the OCPI. This is where the magic happens. Even though the CPO is in charge of managing the stations, it pushes all the locations with all the data to all different eMSP’s that are linked to it, because OCPI connection and the peer-to-peer connections are meant for many relationships. You can have one partner, you can have multiple partners and their partners can have other CPO’s connected to them.

CPOs know which charging stations they are operating and they’re pushing their locations to the eMSP application. eMSP got the back-end, so on the server side everything is computed and this pushes - in our case - through the rest API to the EV driver. EV drivers are able to start charging by pressing the button. There are two basic ways to start charging. First one is the remote start/stop, which is ultimately pressing the button on the mobile application. The second one is the RFID.

Let's focus on the remote start-stop first. When the EV driver presses the remote start-stop, under the hood the mobile application ( it can be the iOS or the Android app) calls over the rest API the eMSP server side. This server knows which CPO pushes the data with a given charging station and over the OCPI and OCPI connectivity, it calls the charging platform to start the charging.

Here we are getting into another open standard that we need to talk about. It's OCPP.

Open Charge Point Protocol in the eMobility ecosystem 

OCPP is the open standard that allows CPO’s to talk to different stations. We can imagine the situation that each of the manufacturers has their own proprietary protocol. In this case, the development of the CPO platform would be enormous, because we've got hundreds of different device providers and those would be a hundred different standards. Plus, they would have to invent it from their hardware perspective. So OCPP actually allows different charging stations manufacturers to implement it on the hardware side. And CPO platforms can implement it on the software side. Thanks to that, we, as the CPOs, are allowed to actually use multiple manufacturers of the charging stations. As mentioned before, we've got the OCPP connection between the CPO and the station, in our case we are using web sockets to actually keep this connection open. CPO Platform is able to tell the charger to start the charge.

The circle is closed.  The EV driver successfully started charging. And from now on, the charging station will report to the CPO Platform about the current charging session e.g. the current power or how much energy has been consumed. The CPO will push this information to the eMSP and eMSP will display that information to our EV driver. This is how it looks from the EV driver perspective.

Of course, we've got more business or admin side of things. Both eMSP and CPO should expose the admin portal. As I’ve mentioned before, the main duty of the eMSP is actually serving the EV driver. In order to that, in the EMSP admin portal you have to have possibilities such as: setting up the tarfiifs for the EV drivers or managing the RFID’s, because RFID’s needs to be linked with the driver, so we need to know which account to charge.

On the other hand, in the CPO admin portal, you need to have the ability to manage your charging stations. You need features like: add a new charity station, remove or make it unavailable, change the tariffs for B2B purposes, manage other admins, manage OCPI connections and many more.

Everything that we know so far is crucial to understand how the tariffs should work in the eMobility ecosystem, because both: the EMSP admin portal and CPO admin portal user are setting up their tariffs. What is important, the CPO’s tariffs are B2B tariffs so for all CDRs, the charging events that have been completed on their stations under their management, that tariff will apply to them, but only for the eMSPs connected.

So those are going to be B2B money transfers. And those do not necessarily have to be the same tariffs that the end user EV driver is paying. eMSP admin can set up the tariff for instance on the basis of adding the margin. In the simple case, if 1kWh costs 1€ on the B2B level then the other in the portal can add 0,5€ margin, so the end user will pay 1,5€ per each kWh consumed. All the money goes to the eMSP, but then depending on the settlement between those two parties, the 1€ will go back to the CPO. This is how it works.

Of course adding the margin is just one possibility. We can imagine that the eMSP admins got some kind of loyalty scheme for the users e.g. every 10th charging is for free. Nevertheless this EMSP will have to settle the bill with the CPO. You can also ask the question: 

. We can see all different players on the market and some of them are both CPOs and EMSPs. In this case, let's say using this ecosystem, the tariffs can be set on the CPO side. For instance eMSP can add zero margin just to keep it transparent, so all the profits are in the CPO or vice versa - so the CPO admin can set up the tariffs for zero and all the billing is done by the EMSP.

This is covering the digital ecosystem from a very high level. We need to remember that we brought up the closed ecosystem. There is a possibility to lean different EMSP’s to different CPO’s over peer-to-peer OCPI connectivity, but we need to remember that there are other ways e.g. a hub integration.

That's it. If you've got any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

eMobility Ecosystem Overview - video script

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

For those interested in the topic of software migration (both Charge Point Operators and eMobility Service Providers), we have published a comprehensive ebook with a bonus list of OCPP Acceptance Testing procedures. 

Platform Migration for EV Charging Businesses

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.

OCA 10th Anniversary

31 OCTOBER 2024 • 2 MIN READ