As businesses and organizations recognize the environmental and economic benefits of transitioning their fleets to electric power, the need for reliable and efficient commercial EV charging solutions has never been more pronounced.

Selecting the right commercial EV chargers is a pivotal first step in this transformative journey toward a greener and more cost-effective future.

Understanding the intricacies of commercial EV charger selection is paramount to shaping a sustainable and forward-thinking future for your organization. Join us as we navigate the electrifying world of commercial EV charging infrastructure.

Why Should You Find Back-End Software for Commercial EV Chargers?

The significance of back-end software cannot be overstated in EV charging. It emerges as the driving force behind the operational excellence and enhanced user experiences that businesses seek to provide.

But why is finding the right back-end software imperative for commercial EV chargers? Here are a few things to consider:

For Efficient Management

Firstly, back-end software serves as the pivotal link between the charging hardware and the user interface. It facilitates efficient management of charging sessions, payment processing, and user authentication. 

Moreover, it enables real-time monitoring of charging station health and availability, ensuring seamless functionality for customers.

For Scalability

Scalability stands as another compelling reason. As the demand for EV charging infrastructure grows, businesses need scalable back-end software to accommodate increasing user volumes without compromising performance. 

Customization capabilities allow tailoring the charging experience to suit specific branding and operational needs.

Security remains paramount in the EV charging landscape. Back-end software ensures secure handling of customer data, payment information, and user credentials, safeguarding against breaches.

How to Connect Your EV Charging Platform with Any Charger from All Manufacturers

Most charging stations come with some software that simply gives the most basic monitoring and control functionality. These capabilities may be sufficient in the beginning, but your firm will soon require a full back-end platform. 

Other than that, you need to prepare with some other features as well. Some of them are discussed below:

If you wish to attract location partners and expand with their business requirements, your new pricing platform must support:

• Payments
• Flexible pricing module (per KWh, minutes, start fee, etc.)
• Mobile apps for the EV driver
• Dynamic Load Management
• Other integrations and additional features

One of the most significant criteria for meeting the aforementioned objectives is the seamless integration of hardware and software in any EV charging business. It outlines the level of service you will provide to your consumers, which may be other companies or EV drivers directly.

Industry Standard Compliance 

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is the industry standard for linking charging devices and administration back-end services in the EV charging sector.

By adhering to established industry standards such as OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol), your EV charging platform gains the ability to communicate effectively with chargers from different manufacturers. 

Over 350 companies in 43 countries had deployed more than 200,000 OCPP-compatible charging points as of 2020.

This standardized approach ensures that your platform can initiate and manage charging sessions, collect usage data, and provide real-time status updates, all while offering a consistent user experience.

Read this blog about how load balancing or smart charging works in OCPP 1.6.

Robust Software Infrastructure

To connect your EV charging platform with any charger from all manufacturers, a robust and flexible software infrastructure is paramount. Implementing an open communication protocol that supports multiple charging standards is key. 

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) play a vital role, in facilitating the exchange of data between your platform and diverse charging stations.

Collaboration with Charging Station Manufacturers

Collaborating with charging station manufacturers is a vital step in achieving seamless integration. By establishing partnerships that emphasize interoperability, businesses can streamline the integration process and ensure sustained support. 

Such alliances facilitate smoother data exchange, efficient charging sessions, and the ability to adapt to evolving industry standards. 

Through these collaborative efforts, the integration becomes a cohesive, user-friendly experience, reinforcing the commitment to providing accessible and high-quality electric vehicle charging solutions.

Download our free EV Starter Kit! The kit consists of EV Charging Business Plan, EV Startup Pitch Deck, Funding Strategy, and EV US Government Grants.

How Can a Back-End Platform Help You Launch and Grow Your EV Charging Business?

Launching and expanding an electric vehicle (EV) charging business demands a robust technological foundation, and a cutting-edge EV charging back-end platform emerges as a pivotal asset in this endeavor. 

Designed to cater to diverse industries seeking to integrate or augment their revenue streams with EV charging, these platforms offer a range of features that empower businesses to thrive in the dynamic electric mobility landscape.

Feature-Ready and Continuously Innovating

An EV charging back-end platform is equipped with a suite of features ready to support various use cases across industries. 

What’s more, the platform is a dynamic entity, consistently incorporating new features to align with evolving industry demands and customer expectations. This adaptability ensures that your business remains at the forefront of innovation and can swiftly respond to emerging trends.

Seamless Hardware Integration

One of the platform’s standout features is its hardware-agnostic nature. It effortlessly connects to charging stations from various manufacturers through the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), erasing compatibility concerns. 

This streamlined integration ensures a cohesive charging network, regardless of the charging station’s origin, making expansion and diversification hassle-free.

Custom Branding for a Distinct Identity

The platform’s complete white-labeling capability allows you to brand EV driver apps, web applications, and the back-end portal with your company’s identity. 

This branding not only reinforces your business’s distinct identity but also offers a consistent and recognizable user experience for EV drivers.

Flexible Pricing Models and Roaming Integration

Managing revenue becomes efficient with the platform’s ability to set up flexible price plans and tariff models. 

Additionally, connecting thousands of chargers to your network through direct roaming or established providers like Hubject and Gireve opens doors to a broader user base and revenue streams.

Optimizing Operations with Advanced Algorithms

The platform’s capabilities extend beyond the surface. Dynamic Load Management optimizes charging operations, ensuring efficient distribution of energy resources. 

Meanwhile, the Automatic Fault Recovery algorithm minimizes maintenance and support costs, maximizing charger uptime and user satisfaction.

Read this blog to find out what you need to know to start a business in the EV industry.

How to Choose Commercial EV Chargers for Your EV Charging Business

Choosing a commercial electric vehicle (EV) charger involves careful consideration of several factors to ensure that the charger meets your business’s needs and supports the evolving electric mobility landscape. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:

Identify Charging Needs

Determine the intended usage of the charging stations. Are they for employees, customers, or fleet vehicles? Understanding the charging requirements, such as charging speed, frequency, and location, is crucial.

Charging Speed	Level 1 Charging (120V)	Provides around 4-5 miles of range per hour of charging.
	Level 2 Charging (240V)	Offers approximately 10-60 miles of range per hour, depending on the vehicle and charging station capacity.
	DC Fast Charging (Level 3)	Can deliver 60-80% charge in around 20-30 minutes, providing a significant boost to EV range quickly.
Charging Location	Home Charging	A significant portion of EV charging takes place at home, where drivers can conveniently plug in overnight. Home charging is considered the primary source for most EV owners.
	Workplace Charging	Providing workplace charging can encourage EV adoption. A study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) found that workplace charging increased the likelihood of employees adopting EVs.
	Public Charging	Public charging infrastructure is essential for extending EV usability beyond local trips. It’s vital for long-distance travel and areas where home charging is not feasible.
	Destination Charging	Charging stations at destinations like shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels offer convenience and encourage EV adoption.
	Fast Charging Along Highways	DC fast charging stations along highways are crucial for long-distance travel and provide rapid top-ups during road trips.

Select Charging Speeds

Choose between Level 2 (AC) and Level 3 (DC fast) charging speeds based on the time vehicles spend at your location and the urgency of the charging needs. Level 3 chargers are suitable for high-traffic areas where quick charging is essential.

Consider Connector Types

Decide on the connector types your chargers will offer. Common connector standards include CCS, CHAdeMO, and Type 2 (for AC charging). Ensure compatibility with the vehicles that will use your charging stations.

Evaluate Power Capacity

Assess the power capacity of your location’s electrical infrastructure. Installing high-power chargers may require electrical upgrades to support the increased load.

Check Network Integration

Consider whether you want your charging stations to be part of a network for remote monitoring, management, and user authentication. Choosing a backend software platform that supports various manufacturers’ chargers can be beneficial.

Future-Proofing

Anticipate the growth of the EV market and select charging equipment and software that are future-proof and scalable. This ensures your chargers can handle increased demand as the adoption of EVs continues to rise.

Evaluate Brand Reputation

Opt for charging equipment from reputable manufacturers known for quality, reliability, and safety. Well-established brands often offer warranties and ongoing support.

Customization and Branding

Consider whether you want the charging stations and user interfaces to be customized with your business branding. White-labeled solutions can enhance your brand visibility.

Payment and User Experience

Choose charging stations that offer user-friendly interfaces for easy payment, user authentication, and clear charging instructions. An intuitive user experience can drive customer satisfaction.

Accessibility and Regulations

Ensure that your chosen charging stations comply with accessibility regulations, including ADA requirements. Check local regulations and incentives for EV charging installations.

Installation and Maintenance

Plan for the installation process, including any necessary electrical work. Consider ongoing maintenance and support services offered by the charger manufacturer or supplier.

Total Cost of Ownership

Calculate the total cost of ownership, including equipment costs, installation, operational expenses, and potential revenue from charging services. Balance upfront costs with long-term benefits.

How Can 6senseEV Help You Pick the Right Commercial EV Chargers?

Leveraging advanced technology and data-driven insights, 6senseEV assists you in making informed choices that align with your business goals. Here’s how 6senseEV can help you pick the right commercial EV chargers:

Data-Driven Insights

6senseEV gathers and analyzes extensive data on EV charging trends, user behavior, and market dynamics. This data empowers you to understand charging needs, optimal locations, and usage patterns, enabling you to select chargers that cater to your target audience.

Site Analysis

The platform provides site-specific analysis to determine the ideal charging infrastructure for your location. By considering factors such as traffic patterns, available electrical capacity, and user preferences, 6senseEV recommends charger types, speeds, and quantities that optimize your charging network’s efficiency.

Charger Compatibility

6senseEV ensures compatibility with various charging station manufacturers and models. It evaluates your infrastructure’s capacity to accommodate different charger types, ensuring seamless integration and a diverse charging network.

The United States installed 6,300 fast chargers in 2022, about three-quarters of which were Tesla Superchargers. The total stock of fast chargers reached 28,000 at the end of 2022. 

User Experience Enhancement

The platform takes user experience into account, suggesting user-friendly chargers and features that enhance customer satisfaction. This includes intuitive interfaces, payment options, and real-time status updates.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

6senseEV assesses your business’s growth projections and the increasing demand for EV charging infrastructure. By recommending scalable solutions and considering future market trends, the platform helps you invest in equipment that remains relevant and valuable over time.

Access to Network Data

By leveraging data from charging networks, 6senseEV provides insights into charger utilization, availability, and customer behaviors. This information informs your charger selection to align with actual usage patterns.

Sustainability Integration

If sustainability is a priority, 6senseEV can recommend eco-friendly charging solutions and provide information on the environmental impact of different charger types.

Regulatory Compliance

6senseEV keeps you informed about local regulations and incentives related to EV charging installations. This ensures your chosen chargers comply with standards and take advantage of available incentives.

Download the EV Charging Software Buyer’s Guide to improve your EV charging station business.

Concluding Thoughts

In essence, 6senseEV is your strategic partner in the process of selecting commercial EV chargers. 

By harnessing the power of data and technology, the platform empowers you to make informed decisions that optimize your charging network for efficiency, user satisfaction, and long-term success in the dynamic world of electric mobility.

Contact us today to help you build your EV charging business from scratch or help you take it to the next level.