What is a Charge Point Management System and How Does It Work?
The EV market has seen enormous growth thanks to the rise of electric cars, government incentives for EV drivers, and a shared recognition of the need to protect the environment. Along with a larger number of cars, the EV charging network has been growing explosively.
Consider this data point about the growth of the charging infrastructure:
At a CAGR of 44.1%, the size of the global electric vehicle charging station market is expected to grow from 2,354 units in 2022 to 14,623 units in 2027.
Existing charge points and new charging stations need to be integrated. This will mean the demands on the power grid can be managed efficiently. Integration also provides a seamless charging experience for EV drivers.
A charge point management system is the software that connects all the parts of the charging network to make everything work together.
Let's dig into this a little more to learn more about this system, its key features, and how it benefits everyone involved with electric vehicles.
What is a Charge Point Management System (CPMS)?
As we said, a CPMS is the software that connects these things together:
- Electricity grid
- Charging stations
- Electric vehicles
- Charge point operators
- EV drivers
Key CPMS Features
A CPMS must do a few things:
- Connect the charge point to the grid. This must be done in a way that allows for monitoring of usage, maintenance, and costs by the charge point operators.
- Connect drivers to the e-mobility services. E-mobility service providers manage memberships, payments, and customer service. So the CPMS gives them the data they need to fulfill this role.
- Connect investors to all of the above. A CPMS should be a scalable solution that allows for more charge points to future-proof the business against growth. Good management software provides data to reduce costs and spot opportunities to generate additional revenue.
To accomplish these connections, a CPMS needs robust data collection, clear reporting capabilities, and customer service capabilities.
How does a CPMS Help Charge Point Operators?
A CPMS helps charge point operators (CPO) provide a good EV charging experience. The benefit to the CPO includes more insights to generate revenue and reduce the total cost of owning and operating their charge points.
Here are a few ways the CPMS can do this:
- Use the open charge point protocol to monitor availability of charge points to ensure maximum uptime.
- Connect the operator to the EMSP to manage costs and bill drivers for their energy use.
- Support for managing energy costs to produce reliable charging services and reduce the costs of the charging infrastructure.
A CPMS will offer even more features for end-to-end EV charging, from the power grid to the electric vehicle.
What are the Benefits to Electric Vehicle Charging?
A CPMS benefits drivers because better charging and building management systems contribute to key shared goals:
- Great charging experience
- Lower costs for users and customers
- Less energy use on the whole
When a business can operate its charging points efficiently, the customer benefits from access to ready chargers and lower prices.
A CPMS is an Important Part of the Charging Network
As we've mentioned, the CPMS is a key part of the entire charging network. It provides the management tools needed to support CPOs and EMSPs in their businesses. Customers benefit from access to many providers and chargers.
Summary
The challenge of the decade for the e-mobility world is to fulfill the needs for EV charging. Technological innovation comes to the rescue, though. It has sophisticated software for managing EV charging that meets business requirements and puts all important data, practices, and guidelines in one place. If you want to add more EVs to your fleet, the fleet management system will help you get ready for the future of electric transportation.
In short, the charging station management system has the following main benefits:
- Full control of charge points to make the best use of energy and save money
- Better charging experience for EV drivers
- Billing and payments are two examples of complex processes that can be automated.
- Potential to expand your company's reach and improve collaboration
If you still have questions or want to learn more, please look at the other articles in our glossary.
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