EV Charging Software Interoperability and Why It Matters
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, drivers need reliable access to public charging stations. Those who are hesitant to switch to an EV often cite lack of public charging stations and limited range as their primary concerns. One issue leads to the other, which highlights the importance of EV software interoperability.
Through interoperability, EV drivers are able to find and use nearby charging stations regardless of their network provider, which simplifies the user experience and helps assuage concerns about range and charging access.
EV Software Interoperability: A Closer Look
As the demand for public EV charging stations increased, many companies like EV Connect began providing charging stations and corresponding software. But not all EV charging stations are created equal: Some companies use closed-network software that only allow drivers with a specific app to see and access their stations, whereas EV Connect uses an open-network for station interoperability. Basically, EV Connect and other providers agree to let drivers use stations across platforms.
Hardware and Software
Because the physical charging stations rely on networks to communicate with users, EV Connect uses the industry-standard Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI). This enables both EV Connect users and users of other networks to find and plug in at EV Connect charging stations. OCPI also allows EV Connect users to find and charge at other network providers’ stations. This software interoperability helps ensure that charging-station hardware is not a limiting factor for EV drivers.
Software Interoperability Enables EV Roaming
Remember back in the days of flip phones, when you would go out of town and your screen would flash “roaming?” Because cellular network infrastructure has expanded, major companies now rely less on cellular roaming; however, there was a time when providers frequently used other companies’ towers to keep customers connected.
Similar to those networks, EV roaming essentially allows users of certain EV charging software (like EV Connect) to access other software and stations through their own application. This is crucial for drivers, especially when they want to venture farther than their familiar area. Because range and public charging are primary concerns for drivers, EV roaming is a critical step forward for drivers and charging station owners alike.
Benefits of EV Roaming
Whether from an environmental or a business standpoint, EV software interoperability benefits all parties involved.
EV Drivers
The benefits of EV roaming for drivers are clear: simple, reliable access to the charge stations that are nearest to them, and the ability to use those stations without new software. According to a J.D. Power EV study, public charging infrastructure is a “key determinant” for owner satisfaction. That comes as no surprise: The easier-to-find and more accessible that power is for your vehicle, the more enjoyable it will be to drive that vehicle. And while the typical US vehicle travels only about 40 miles per day, drivers do not want to feel limited by EV range, which underscores the value of widespread charging access.
EV Connect Owners
For owners of EV charging stations, interoperability enables drivers who may not have seen or used your station on their network to easily find and use it. Software interoperability means expanded use of and simplified access to your charging station.
EV Fleets
The roaming enabled by software interoperability also benefits fleets that take advantage of EVs. Of course, fleets will be able to find more stations to charge with. But beyond that, the ability to use one familiar network simplifies billing and reporting processes immensely. Businesses can save time and resources thanks to EV roaming.
EV Connect and Partner Network Integration
EV Connect has taken a big step toward broadening charging access for our users. We recently integrated our interface with ChargePoint and Greenlots. This means that EV Connect charging stations will be accessible through ChargePoint’s application, and ChargePoint stations will be accessible to EV Connect users. Not only will drivers be able to seamlessly find whichever stations are most convenient, they will also be able to pay for their charge with the app they are already connected to. Agreements like this are essential for both EV businesses and owners.
The benefits of EV software interoperability are clear. The less range anxiety and more access to public charging that drivers have, the more people will be empowered to purchase EVs. The ease of access and expanded usership will lead to further use of your charging station. EV Connect’s OCPI is helping push the future of EV roaming by integrating with other networks such as ChargePoint and Greenlots. Still have questions about roaming and interoperability? Visit our Partner Roaming Network page to learn more about our partner roaming network.
Sources
J.D. Power - Majority of Electric Vehicle Owners Are Intent on Purchasing Another One in the Future, J.D. Power Finds
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) - Interoperability of Public ElectricVehicle Charging Infrastructure
evRoaming4EU - Achieving interoperability for EV roaming: Pathways to harmonization
Forbes - Range Anxiety Is Very Real, New J.D. Power EVs Survey Finds