Charge Point Operators (CPOs) are businesses that serve the backend of the customer EV-charging experience. They specialize in the resale of electricity to EV drivers through public fast-charging stations which they operate. Currently, CPOs are the main players in the public charging market.
We may simplify this even further using a restaurant for our analogy. In a simplified example, CPOs are akin to chefs: it is their selection, preparation, and presentation of ingredients that determines the quality of the customer’s meal – or in our case, the stations the driver uses to charge their car.
Typically, charge point operators will fulfill this one role only – of ‘electricity chef.’ However, as we will discover a little later in the article: just as a chef might opt to own or part-own their restaurant, the roles of CPO, EMSP, and owner can also sometimes overlap.
what does a Charge Point Operato do?
Purchase, deployment, and operation of charging infrastructure
Pureplay CPOs are experts in the latest charging technology, including AC chargers and DC Level 3 fast chargers for the public and commercial market. Some of their primary responsibilities therefore include:
- Recommending and procuring charge stations/charge points on behalf of the investor.
- Preparing the chosen site for installation of the charge points.
- Installing charge points on-site and connecting them with the requisite electricity supply (e.g., the local electricity grid).
- Ongoing management and maintenance of the charge points on behalf of their owner(s).
Ensuring reliable charging services for EV users
Following the successful deployment of the charging stations, CPOs are then responsible for ensuring smooth, consistent, and quality charging for EV end-user. For example, this can include:
- Preventative maintenance to keep charging stations operating optimally.
- Optimization of charge stations and surrounding infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of customers.
- Integration of new technologies, hardware, and software into the charging infrastructure where necessary.
- Controlling the prices of charging at their pool of charge points, whilst complying with international, national, and local regulations, such as calibration laws.
Managing network connectivity and software platforms
An integral part of the operational side of the CPO’s role requires the use of backend software to manage energy consumption and delivery at charge stations. The charge point operator aims to spread electricity loads equally across their pool of operational stations, thus ensuring the fast and equitable charging of their customers’ vehicles.
In this rapidly evolving and fiercely competitive industry, Charge Point Operators (CPOs) must be well-prepared. Today’s powerful DC fast chargers can deliver up to 480kW of power or even higher, whereas not long ago, 50kW was considered fast. Moreover, advanced EV chargers can simultaneously charge multiple electric vehicles. Therefore, to cope with the ever-improving charging technology, CPOs need to choose more advanced and scalable equipment.
SETEC POWER, as a leading manufacturer of electric vehicle charging facilities, is your ideal partner. To learn more about us, please contact us now.
