CPMS (Charge Point Management System)

What is a CPMS (Charge Point Management System)

A CPMS or Charge Point Management System is a comprehensive cloud-based software solution designed to manage and control various aspects of charging stations remotely. 

CPMS helps in monitoring the status of charging points, managing user access, collecting data for billing purposes, optimizing charging schedules, and diagnosing any faults or issues that may arise.

Connecting chargers to a network unlocks a series of benefits, both for the EV driver as well as the maintenance (CPO) or service (eMSP) provider. From the driver’s perspective, the connectivity enables clear insights and more control over charging sessions, while for the maintenance and service provider, it allows for easier performance optimization, remote software updates, and troubleshooting.

Application of CPMS 

A typical CPMS enables key capabilities necessary for effective and profitable network operations.

• Remote Monitoring: CPMS allows operators to remotely monitor the status of charging points in real-time. They can check if a charging point is in use, available, or experiencing any issues.
• User Management: CPMS enables operators to manage user access to charging points. They can allow access for registered or non-registered users and set up user groups to control who can use the stations.
• Billing and Payment: CPMS facilitates billing and payment processes for charging services. It can collect data on energy consumption and usage patterns, allowing operators to bill users accurately for their charging sessions.
• Load Management: CPMS helps optimize the distribution of charging load across multiple charging points. It can adjust charging schedules based on factors such as grid capacity, energy demand, and user preferences to prevent overloading and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Fault Detection and Maintenance: CPMS can detect faults or malfunctions in charging points and notify operators for timely maintenance. This helps minimize downtime and ensures that charging infrastructure remains operational.
• Data Analytics: CPMS collects data on charging activities, user behavior, and system performance. Operators can analyze this data to gain insights into usage patterns, identify trends, and make informed infrastructure planning and optimization decisions.

Best-in-class solutions designed for large-scale operations can also include more sophisticated business management capabilities, such as managing multiple locations, partners, geographies, and jurisdictions.

Elements of CPMS

Operator backend

The CPMS backend is responsible for handling core functionalities, data processing, and business logic that enable the operation and management of charging infrastructure. 

Driver-facing mobile app

An EV-charging driver-facing app helps EV drivers locate chargers and control each charging session from start to finish. Many charging apps offer various charging management tools to help you collect data and insights, manage your energy consumption and costs, and –if available– use smart charging features.

Importance of  using a CPMS

A centralized management software system is essential in effectively controlling charging stations. It brings together the utilization, availability, and revenue data aspects to a central point, allowing managers to analyze various performance metrics and promptly take appropriate measures. 

Mis-management of the charging points in a network can lead to lost revenue opportunities, excessive cost of electricity and overhead, and EV driver churn due to unsatisfactory experience with the network.

A CPMS presents a number of competitive advantages to charging point operators (CPOs), such as:

• Control cost and balance energy use
• Optimize revenue with innovative revenue share and pricing strategies
• Maximize availability and uptime with timely diagnostics
• Extend equipment lifetime with scheduled maintenance
• Increase EV driver satisfaction with convenient access, information and payment