The Complete Guide

EV Charging Management Software

Discover how EV charging management software can transform your operations. Whether you’re managing commercial, residential, or fleet charging, our guide breaks down the key features and benefits.

FractalEV delivers commercial-grade Level 2 chargers integrated with sophisticated cloud-based software. Every hardware purchase comes with a lifetime subscription at no additional cost, streamlining the process of launching and scaling your EV charging operations. Contact us to learn more.

What is EV charging management software?

EV charging management software encompasses a broad suite of tools for deploying, overseeing, managing, monetizing, and optimizing charging infrastructure. These systems can provide a wide array of feature sets, including load-balancing capabilities, billing solutions, real-time analytics, and more. Together, these features ensure efficient station operation, enhance accessibility, and support scalability to meet growing demand.

What is OCPP EV charger software?

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open standard communication protocol that facilitates interoperability between EV chargers and a charging management system (CMS). OCPP provides operators with the flexibility to integrate different hardware and software components, thus reducing reliance on proprietary systems and enhancing operational control and adaptability across a diverse ecosystem of charging equipment.

Who needs “networked” or “smart” chargers?

In the EV charging industry, “networked” and “smart” are both terms used to describe chargers with a software backend that enables advanced features. However, this term can be used to describe both chargers that have their own cloud backends and those that are simply OCPP compatible.

Smart chargers are ideal in scenarios where features such as power management, billing, reporting, and access control are critical. These chargers support dynamic load management, energy consumption tracking, payment integration, and user authentication. Evaluating the merits of OCPP-compatible versus proprietary solutions requires consideration of the trade-offs between adaptability, functionality, and long-term cost efficiency. There are a few systems available (such as our FractalCloud offering) that provide the benefits of a proprietary system while also being OCPP compatible.

Driver services vs. Management software

Do you need driver services software, management software, or a system that supports both? Each plays a vital role in the EV charging ecosystem. Driver services software focuses on enhancing the experience for EV drivers, while management software empowers charge point operators to manage and optimize their networks, ensuring they meet critical uptime requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you get with each solution.

EV Driver Services Software

Driver services software focuses on enhancing the charging experience for EV users. At its core, this software often includes charger discovery maps, enabling drivers to locate available charging stations nearby or along their route. Many platforms also support scheduling and reservations, allowing users to secure a charging spot in advance, minimizing wait times. For added convenience, access control features ensure that drivers can use personal or reserved chargers or benefit from special rates tied to memberships or promotions. Additionally, integrated payment processing streamlines transactions, offering multiple options for a frictionless experience. This user-centric software ensures drivers have reliable charger access and a hotline for support.

EV Charging Management Software

Charge point operators (CPOs) use back-office software to manage commercial EV charging stations efficiently. Also called O&M software, these platforms typically include functionality that supports maintenance. For example, real-time monitoring and remote troubleshooting features allow CPOs to diagnose and resolve technical issues without on-site intervention. On the operations side, detailed reporting and analytics provide insights into station performance, energy dispensed, and other operational metrics. These reports are crucial for making data-driven decisions, optimizing asset management, and maintaining transparency with stakeholders, such as site owners and investors. Overall, this can be viewed as the back office software that keeps business running behind the scenes.

FractalEV chargers include complimentary cloud O&M management software. While FractalEV O&M is a powerful standalone solution, we partner with leading OCPP-compliant software providers specializing in the driver experience. This ensures you get a comprehensive ecosystem that covers everything you need to manage and operate EV charging networks efficiently while delivering a top-tier experience to drivers.

Explore EV charging software companies

EV charging software use cases

EV fleet charging software

EV charging management software provides a robust set of tools to coordinate, monitor, and optimize the charging of electric fleets. The best platforms offer real-time monitoring of charging sessions, predictive maintenance alerts to prevent downtime, and detailed reporting to help optimize fleet performance. Integration with telematics systems can further enhance efficiency by synchronizing vehicle availability with charging schedules, ultimately reducing overhead and improving overall operational effectiveness. With increased energy use on site, commercial electrical demand charges can be a significant cost to deploying an EV fleet. Look for EV fleet charging software that can help mitigate these costs by shaping the charge profiles of the assets on site.

EV charging management software for apartments

Charging management software is essential for managing EV infrastructure in multifamily residential properties. It helps allocate electricity costs fairly among tenants by tracking individual usage, ensuring that each user pays only for their own consumption. In tandem, access control features allow property managers to regulate who can use the charging stations and at what times, ensuring equitable availability. These features improve tenant satisfaction by providing seamless charging access and creating a fair cost distribution model.
For multifamily properties it will often be necessary to oversubscribe the available infrastructure in order to deploy a sufficient quantity of chargers. This oversubscription can typically be handled by a good management software solution. Driver services software becomes necessary as properties look to bill the residents for the energy dispensed directly.

What to look for in EV charging station software

Effective software should provide robust management tools and support for both property managers and drivers, ensuring a reliable, efficient charging experience. It is important to evaluate charging software based on your actual use case. For example, in many deployments (such as a behind the fence fleet application) access control is actually a detriment rather than a feature. Below are six key functionalities to consider when evaluating EV charging station software.

Power Management

Advanced power management tools enable optimal distribution of energy across charging stations, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. These tools also mitigate peak demand charges and efficiently utilize available power resources. Consider whether a basic over subscription scheme will work for your use case or if you need to invest in a more complex solution.

Billing & pricing

Robust billing solutions should offer flexibility, including options for time-of-use and kWh pricing. Advanced systems may also allow you to set unique pricing rules for peak demand periods, further offsetting costs. Integration with multiple payment methods is essential for user convenience.

Access control

Access control is optional in private settings such as residential or workplace charging installations, but critical for commercial deployments. The best tools offer multiple low-friction methods of driver authentication, such as via an app, by scanning a QR code, or by using an RFID card or PIN. Some tools even allow you to set custom pricing rules and discounts at the user level.
Cloud based access control creates an internet dependency for a charge to start whereas local access control is a more reliable solution but offers less flexibility.

Remote maintenance

Remote diagnostics, over-the-air firmware updates, and proactive maintenance features reduce the need for site visits. Remote reboot capabilities and automated maintenance alerts ensure high uptime and help prevent issues before they escalate. OCPP requires a dedicated connection in order to communicate with the charger. It is worth considering what the maintenance options are when that connection is not present.

Reporting & analytics

Comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities provide insights into charging station utilization, energy consumption, and revenue generation. Quality analytics can also be crucial in qualifying for certain rebates, which can help offset operational costs. These insights enable data-driven decision-making and make it easier to identify areas for future investment.

Driver support

A positive user experience is paramount. However, driver support can be costly, so it’s important to understand where your provider’s coverage and responsibilities begin and end. Evaluating the quality and extent of driver support is essential to avoid unexpected expenses and ensure users receive a seamless charging experience.

Comparing software for EV charging stations

OCPP vs. proprietary

OCPP-compliant systems offer significant flexibility, enabling operators to mix and match hardware and software components. In contrast, proprietary systems may present unique features or optimizations but can limit operators to a single vendor, impacting long-term scalability and adaptability.

Another consideration is that proprietary systems can be pricier than open ones, increasing overall deployment costs. FractalEV operates under the principle that management software should be proprietary to maximize control over the asset while driver services software should always be OCPP and open.

General vs. specialized

General EV software solutions cater to broad use cases, providing versatility. In contrast, specialized solutions are purpose-built for distinct environments, such as fleet operations or residential complexes.

Specialized tools have the advantage of tailored functionalities that address specific operational challenges. However, the trade-off with specialization is a lack of versatility and flexibility compared to general solutions. A specialized solution is preferred when an operator manages a single use case. If multiple use cases are being managed, then a general solution helps avoid having to operate in multiple driver service environments

Economy vs. premium

Can you get by with an economy software solution? Or are your needs better suited to a premium platform with advanced features like energy optimization, customizable user interfaces, and enhanced security protocols? Keep in mind that driver support can significantly influence costs, as premium support often entails higher fees.

When evaluating costs, operators also should consider potential savings from power management. By upgrading their electrical service through software, they can eliminate the need to spend hundreds of thousands on infrastructure overhauls.

EV charging software companies

The EV charging software market offers a variety of solutions tailored to different needs and environments. Below are 12 leading companies providing advanced software options to help manage, monitor, and optimize EV charging stations effectively.

FractalEV

Offers reliable Level 2 chargers with a complimentary lifetime management software subscription, designed for commercial environments.

eddie by AXSO

Specializes in residential and workplace charging, featuring advanced energy management for managing energy capacity at a building level.

PlugOp

Focuses on the multifamily space with a particular emphasis on assisting in the transition from communal to dedicated charging through a focus on streamlined authentication and robust energy management.

Chargelab

Offers open software aimed at ensuring charger interoperability across various brands, making it highly adaptable for mixed hardware environments.

Flipturn

Focuses on Fleet software that optimizes charging sessions and integrates with telematics. Focused on reducing additional costs for electrifying such as peak demand and time of use charges.

SWTCH

Offers turnkey solutions suited to properties seeking and end-to-end solution. Driver services software supports varied energy management use cases with an emphasis on comprehensive support.

JPlug

Supports community-based EV charging networks with innovative management solutions that foster local sharing and optimized utilization.

Kitu

Develops charging management systems, focusing on grid integration and asset management. Its core offering is specialized solutions for utilities and developers.

Wevo

Provides advanced energy management features including tools for drivers to manage their own charge speeds. Offers streamlined billing management to reduce access control risks and help residents charge seamlessly.

Our Products

FractalEV Cloud Software

EV charging management software

FractalCloud

FractalEV’s cloud software delivers an integrated management platform for charging infrastructure. With advanced features such as dynamic power allocation, remote diagnostics, and streamlined billing processes, FractalEV simplifies the complexities of managing EV charging stations, allowing operators to focus on expanding their services effectively.

Contact us today to see how we can support your EV charging needs.