EV Connect
Pros
- Hardware flexibility allows users to mix and match different charger brands on one network.
- Strong focus on reliability and uptime through the proactive Shield service.
- Scalable architecture suitable for everything from small retail lots to massive utility networks.
- Comprehensive data reporting helps businesses track ROI and energy usage accurately.
- User-friendly mobile app with high ratings for driver experience and ease of payment.
- Backed by the industrial expertise and stability of Schneider Electric.
Cons
- Lack of public pricing makes it difficult for small businesses to do quick cost comparisons.
- Initial setup can be complex, often requiring professional consultation and site audits.
- As a feature-rich enterprise tool, it may have a steeper learning curve for non-technical site managers.
- Reliance on cellular or internet connectivity for remote management can be a hurdle in rural locations.
As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to accelerate, organizations across various sectors face the challenge of deploying and managing reliable charging infrastructure. Scaling a charging network involves navigating technical complexities such as hardware interoperability, payment processing, and energy demand management.
EV Connect provides a centralized, cloud-based platform designed to simplify the ownership and operation of EV charging stations. By offering a hardware-agnostic solution, the platform allows site hosts and network operators to manage diverse portfolios of chargers from a single interface, ensuring uptime and a consistent experience for drivers.
What Is EV Connect?
EV Connect is an industry-leading Electric Vehicle Charging Management System (EV CMS) and Charge Point Management System (CPMS). It serves as a bridge between the physical charging hardware, the utility grid, and the end user. The platform is designed for a broad spectrum of users, including multifamily residential managers, commercial fleet operators, retail properties, and large-scale utility companies.
The platform works by connecting to charging stations via the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), which allows it to communicate with various hardware brands. At a high level, EV Connect provides the tools necessary to set pricing, control access, monitor station health in real time, and process payments. Verified trust signals include its long-standing partnership with Schneider Electric and its role in major infrastructure projects, such as the NEVI installations in Hawaii.
Features
- Hardware-Agnostic Management: Supports a wide array of OCPP-compliant charging stations, preventing vendor lock-in and allowing businesses to choose the hardware that fits their budget.
- Real-Time Monitoring and Diagnostics: Provides site hosts with visibility into station status, allowing for remote troubleshooting and reducing the need for on-site maintenance visits.
- Automated Payment Processing: Handles all driver transactions securely through the mobile app, with the ability for site hosts to set custom pricing based on time, energy consumed, or user group.
- Load Management and Utility Integration: Helps balance energy demand to avoid peak demand charges and supports Demand Response programs to stabilize the grid.
- EV Connect Shield: A managed service offering that provides proactive station monitoring and coordinated repairs to maximize network uptime.
- Driver Mobile App: A user-facing application that allows drivers to find available stations, start charging sessions via QR codes, and manage payments.
- White-Label Solutions: Enables large enterprises and utilities to offer charging services under their own branding while utilizing the underlying EV Connect technology.
Screenshots
EV Connect Pricing
Pricing for EV Connect is not publicly listed in a standard tiered format. Because the software is often deployed alongside physical hardware and installation services, the total cost depends on the scale of the project, the number of ports, and the specific service level agreements (SLAs) required.
The company typically provides custom quotes based on:
- The number of charging stations being managed.
- Selection of software modules (e.g., standard management vs. white-label).
- Inclusion of “”EV Connect Shield”” for maintenance and support.
- Transaction fees for processed payments.
Interested businesses are encouraged to book a demo or contact the sales team to receive a proposal tailored to their specific site requirements and hardware choices.
Integrations
EV Connect is built on open standards, facilitating several types of technical integrations:
- Hardware Integrations: Seamlessly connects with major manufacturers such as Schneider Electric, BTC Power, ABB, and Delta via OCPP.
- Payment Integrations: Securely processes driver payments and manages revenue distribution for site hosts.
- Fleet Management Integrations: Connects with fleet telematics and management software to sync vehicle data with charging sessions.
- Utility Integrations: Supports OpenADR for demand response and grid management.
- Installation Partnerships: Integrates project workflows with nationwide installers like Qmerit.
How to Set Up EV Connect
- Consult with an EV Connect specialist to define network goals and select compatible hardware.
- Coordinate with certified installers (like Qmerit) to perform site preparation and hardware installation.
- Onboard the charging stations to the EV Connect cloud platform using the station IDs and OCPP configurations.
- Configure site host settings, including user access levels, pricing structures, and payment accounts.
- Launch the network and access the admin dashboard to begin monitoring live sessions.
How to Use EV Connect
The daily workflow for a site host involves logging into the web-based dashboard to review the status of the charging network. Managers can check for any “”offline”” or “”faulted”” alerts and use remote commands to reset stations if necessary.
On the financial side, administrators review usage reports to see which stations are most active and adjust pricing if energy costs change. For fleet managers, the platform is used to ensure all vehicles are reaching their required state of charge (SoC) before scheduled shifts. Drivers interact with the system by using the mobile app to locate chargers, scan a QR code to initiate a session, and receive automated receipts once the session is complete.
What You Can Manage with EV Connect
- Charging Station Networks: Centralized control over multiple locations and hardware types.
- Revenue and Pricing: Custom fee structures and automated payment collection.
- Energy Consumption: Real-time tracking of kilowatt-hours (kWh) delivered across the network.
- User Access: Permission-based controls for employees, residents, or the general public.
- Maintenance Logs: Records of station health, fault history, and repair status.
- Fleet Charging: Coordination of charging schedules with vehicle duty cycles.
FAQs
What does EV Connect do?
EV Connect provides a cloud-based software platform that manages electric vehicle charging stations. It allows station owners to monitor equipment, set charging prices, and provide a seamless mobile app experience for drivers.
Who is EV Connect best for?
The platform is designed for commercial property owners, multifamily housing managers, fleet operators, and utility companies. It is especially beneficial for those who need to manage multiple charging stations or different brands of hardware from one place.
Is EV Connect free?
The mobile app is free for drivers to download, though they must pay for the charging sessions they use. For station owners and businesses, EV Connect is a paid service that requires a subscription and management fees.
What are the main limitations of EV Connect?
The primary limitation is the lack of public pricing transparency, requiring a formal sales process to determine costs. Additionally, the platform’s advanced features may be more complex than what a single-station home user needs.
What are the best alternatives to EV Connect?
Common alternatives in the EV charging management space include ChargePoint, Shell Recharge, Blink Charging, and Enel X Way. Many users also compare it to hardware-specific software provided by manufacturers like Tesla or Wallbox.
