eMSP

What is an eMSP?

An e-Mobility Service Provider (eMSP) is a company that provides access to EV charging services to electric vehicle drivers through digital platforms or applications. They serve as intermediaries, connecting drivers with charging stations managed by Charge Point Operators (CPOs).

Who can become an eMSP?

The key requirement to becoming an eMSP is the ability to offer a technology platform that provides users with access to charging networks and the option to manage related payments. eMSPs must assist users with issues such as app navigation, billing, customer support, and charger troubleshooting.

Automotive Companies 

These companies already have an existing customer base of EV owners and can provide value-added services by integrating charging access into their vehicle ecosystems.

Energy Companies 

Energy providers have the infrastructure and expertise to support EV charging and can leverage their position to offer services like roaming and payments. 

Charging Network Operators

CPOs with their networks can also act as eMSPs by providing drivers access to other networks via roaming agreements.

Technology Companies 

Tech firms can build platforms and apps that aggregate access to multiple networks, providing services like station discovery, payment, and route planning.

Retail and Hospitality Businesses

These businesses can expand into the eMSP space by using charging as a service to attract EV drivers, turning charging stations into customer touchpoints.

Fleet Management Companies

Fleets rely heavily on reliable charging services, so these companies can offer tailored eMSP solutions for fleet operators. 

Public Transport and Shared Mobility Providers

Companies managing shared EV fleets or public transportation systems can act as eMSPs to ensure their vehicles can charge seamlessly.

Startups and Aggregators

New entrants can innovate with apps or software platforms that aggregate access to various networks, offering a simplified user experience.

Responsibilities of the eMSPs

eMSPs primary role is to act as intermediaries, providing digital platforms that connect EV drivers with charging networks. Unlike Charge Point Operators (CPOs), eMSPs do not own, operate, or maintain the physical charging infrastructure. 

They enable drivers to locate charging stations, initiate and complete charging sessions seamlessly, and efficiently manage billing and payment processes. A robust eMSP platform should ensure accessibility to real-time information about station availability, charging costs, and session progress.

Customer satisfaction is a core responsibility of eMSPs, requiring them to offer reliable customer support. This includes troubleshooting issues related to app navigation, billing errors, or charger malfunctions. eMSPs could use roaming agreements to expand the network reach, allowing drivers to access a wider array of charging stations managed by multiple Charge Point Operators (CPOs). 

Moreover, in an industry where reliability is crucial, eMSPs must ensure platform scalability and operational efficiency to keep up with the rapidly growing EV adoption rates. By doing so, they contribute significantly to the overall user experience and the broader success of the EV charging ecosystem.

eMSP’s use of a CPMS

eMSPs use Charge Point Management Systems (CPMS) to manage and optimize their services, ensuring seamless operation and enhanced user experience. A CPMS is a centralized software platform that enables eMSPs to handle the following key use cases:

• Interoperability and Roaming – by leveraging a CPMS, eMSPs can manage roaming connections, ensuring their apps provide users with seamless access to a wide array of charging points across borders.
• Billing and Payment Integration – eMSPs rely on the CPMS to handle billing, invoice generation, and integration with various payment gateways.
• User-Friendly Apps and Platforms – eMSPs use white-label apps by CPMS to offer a seamless user experience, providing features like station location maps, live updates on charger availability, and booking options.
• Analytics and Insights – CPMS platforms provide powerful analytics tools to monitor and optimize operations. eMSPs use these insights to improve customer experience, optimize resource allocation, and support strategic decision-making.

Importance of eMSPs in eMobility 

The eMSP’s role is crucial in enabling EV drivers to access multiple charging stations through a single application. By removing the complexity of individual memberships for each charger network, eMSPs are significantly improving customer experience and boosting efficient infrastructure utilisation. Lastly, eMSPs collect and analyse data on charging habits, station performance, and user preferences. These insights are invaluable for infrastructure planning, station deployment, and optimising the overall charging experience.