For EV charger manufacturers, compatibility with charging management software can therefore be an important part of the product offering.
Why do charger manufacturers need charging management software?
A Charge Point Management System (CPMS) connects charging hardware with the software used to operate a charging network.
It can help operators:
- Monitor charger status and connectivity.
- Review charging sessions and energy usage.
- Manage supported charger settings remotely.
- Identify and investigate operational issues.
- Manage users and access permissions.
- View network activity through reporting tools.
The available capabilities depend on the charger, software platform and integration.
What role does OCPP play?
The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) enables communication between EV chargers and central management systems.
Supporting OCPP can help manufacturers make their hardware compatible with a wider range of management platforms. However, support for a protocol version does not automatically guarantee that every feature will work identically across systems.
Manufacturers should test compatibility, supported functions and firmware behaviour.
The Open Charge Alliance provides information about OCPP standards.
How does Electric Miles fit into the ecosystem?
Electric Miles’ emPACT is an enterprise CPMS designed for CPOs and commercial charging teams.
It provides centralised charger management, session visibility, driver and ID-tag management, access permissions, tariffs and operational reporting.
For charger manufacturers and technology partners, the important consideration is how their hardware and supported communication features integrate with a management platform such as emPACT.
Explore Electric Miles emPACT.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CPMS in EV charging?
A CPMS is software used to manage charging infrastructure, including chargers, sessions, users and network operations.
Do charger manufacturers need to support OCPP?
OCPP is widely used to enable communication between chargers and management systems. The required version and features depend on the target market and integration.
Does OCPP guarantee compatibility with every CPMS?
No. Compatibility depends on implementation, firmware and the specific functions supported by both systems.