Charge Point Operators (CPOs) own, build, run, and maintain EV charging sites. Charge Point Operators are crucial players in the EV charging industry.
We like to describe Charge Point Operators as the backbone of the electric vehicle industry. Without CPOs, electric vehicle charging would be unreliable and difficult to access.
We’re excited to introduce Go Charge, a comprehensive CPO management solution. This innovative software platform helps businesses harness the benefits of CPOs and easily manage charging stations. Here, we’ll explain how Go Charge offers full support for managing charging stations with ease and maximum efficiency.
What is a Charge Point Operator?
A Charge Point Operator (CPO) builds, owns, maintains, and manages EV charging stations and infrastructure. Simply put, CPOs provide the actual charging stations so we can plug in our electric vehicles to charge.
CPOs also manage the charging hardware and network stations, ensuring reliable, smooth operations and an optimised charging experience.
CPOs provide and handle all aspects of charging infrastructure and maintenance, including:
- Planning and developing strategic locations for EV charging stations
- Charging station hardware installation
- Deployment of charging stations
- Site preparation
- Ongoing maintenance of charging hardware and stations to ensure peak efficiency
- Reliable charging stations
- Manages software and network infrastructure
- Curate the various elements involved in the charging process to ensure seamless EV charging operations
- Backend management
What Services Does a Charge Point Operator Provide?
Here’s a breakdown of the main services offered by CPOs:
- Maintenance, Inspections, and Repairs: Conduct regular maintenance and needed repairs to minimise downtime, maximise performance, and address any technical issues promptly; provide a seamless, convenient charging experience that EV drivers can rely on
- EV Charging Station Installation: Plan and install EV charging points in strategic locations that ensure grid stability and accessibility
- User Support: Addressing issues and offering exceptional customer service to ensure positive charging experiences
- Remote Monitoring: Use monitoring software to detect errors, track energy usage, and optimise distribution
- Partnerships: CPOs often partner with businesses to monetise EV charging stations and provide specialised advice on placement and pricing
- Security: Utilise robust security measures to protect user data and charging stations; perform regular inspections to ensure reliability and compliance
How Can a Charging Network or Business Benefit from a Charge Point Operator
Businesses and EV charging networks can benefit from Charge Point Operators in several ways. Partnering with CPOs offers backend management to ensure smooth operations, maximum revenue generation, and efficient energy management. CPOs can also improve user experience and attract and retain customers.
Example Scenario:
Olivia owns a retail shopping centre in WA with several EV charging stations. She is wondering how to attract new customers and maximise revenue through EV charging.
She implements a centralized software platform for comprehensive CPO management. Olivia now has a trusted partner to help her manage the centre’s EV charging stations and monitor usage. With real-time data management, she can make informed decisions to optimise the charging station’s performance.
Charge Point management software allows Olivia to:
- Attract new customers, shoppers, and staff members
- Retain customers
- Decide whether it is more profitable to charge EV drivers per kWh or offer free charging to attract new business
- Discover and implement new revenue streams
- Identify usage trends, energy consumption, and peak times to determine placement, services, and pricing
- Provide a seamless user experience to EV drivers using the charging stations
- Hand over billing, energy load balancing, and user authentication to someone else so she can focus on other core business operations
- Ensure all EV chargers are operational and reliable
What is the Difference Between CPO and E-mobility Service Providers?
We understand how CPOs and eMSPs can be confusing. They are both crucial components of the charging industry, but they serve vastly different functions.
Here’s a simple description of the difference between CPOs and eMSPs:
- CPOs: Provide the physical EV charging stations and consistent EV charging; own and build charging stations; focus on the operational and technical aspects of EV charging stations and infrastructure
- eMSPs: Help drivers find and use charging stations by providing helpful software platforms/apps/subscriptions and handling payments
| CPO (Charge Point Operator) | eMSP (e-Mobility Service Provider | |
| Role | Ensures operational charging stations and a reliable charging experience | Connect drivers to available charging stations, handle payments, and initiate charging sessions |
| Primary Focus | Charging infrastructure and station management | Driver experience |
| Collaboration | Works closely with eMSPs | Engages directly with EV drivers via mobile apps |
| Revenue | Selling electricity or leasing charging stations | Transaction fees or app subscriptions |
| Ownership | Owns infrastructure and EV charging hardware | No hardware ownership; provides apps/software |
Easily Manage and Grow Your EV Charging Network with Go Charge
At EV Charging Solutions, we are proud partners with Go Charge, a comprehensive Chargepoint Management solution.
This innovative software platform helps businesses, property owners, and fleet managers easily scale and manage their EV charging networks.
The Go Charge app is a mobile app for EV drivers to locate chargers on any enabled network. EV drivers can also charge and pay on Go Charge-connected chargers
Benefits of Go Charge include:
- Advanced smart reporting
- Real-time monitoring
- Effortless EV charging station management
- Load management options
- Flexible pricing
- Comprehensive maintenance support
- Full and convenient control over your charging points
Learn more about Go Charge here:
How EV Charging Systems Provides End-to-End Solutions
At EV Charging Systems, we go beyond just simple installs. Our in-house electricians and technicians provide complete turnkey EV charging solutions from installation to optimisation to maintenance.
We service the entire EV charging station’s lifecycle to ensure the highest level of reliability and efficiency.
EV Charging Systems is proud to be the first eMobility-certified EcoXpert certified by Schneider Electric. We have the advanced certifications and qualifications for EV charging infrastructure.
Manage Your Charging Network with Ease With Go Charge
Ready to manage your charging network effortlessly? Get in touch with us to learn more about turnkey charging station management through Go Charge.
