A charger operator is responsible for mediating the interaction between the driver and the charging station. This role can be performed by the site owner/manager (commonly referred to as the host) or it can be outsourced to a third party service provider.
Operating the charger as a host
The charging station host can perform the role of operator by using a stand-alone software package that meets their needs. These may perform any or all of the following functions:
- User authentication via RFID (access card)
- Local energy management
- Time of use controls
Using a third party operator
Hosts can access further functionality by outsourcing management to a 3rd party, usually a charging network operator. These systems require hardware that is networked. This allows the operator to remotely:
- authenticate users and initiate charge sessions via the cloud
- see charger status (in use/available)
- monitor performance
- report and aggregate usage data
- update firmware
- option: handle billing for paid services
Charging network operators usually offer support services, as they are often the EVSE distributor and system installer. A subscription to these services depends on the number of units, bundled packages, and discounts as negotiated with the provider.
Operating Systems
| Features | Network | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chargefox | eoCloud | Charge Star | Everty | Stand-Alone | |
| For driver | |||||
| Charger Availability Map | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3rd Party |
| Authentication | Cloud | Cloud | Cloud | Cloud | Card/token |
| Billing via app (Credit card, apple pay) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free |
| Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | via host |
| For operator | |||||
| Set or restrict access to chargers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Monitor electricity consumption | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Meter |
| View live charger status | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| View charge session reports | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| View operating cost | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Calculate revenue | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Export raw data | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Uses any OCPP EVSE | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |