Saascharge Introduces AI-Powered Support with Its New AI Agent: Saasi Botai

Saascharge is integrating AI into its platform with the launch of an AI-powered support service for our partners. This new AI Agent program, called Saasi Botai, is designed to enhance support services across the Saascharge platform and its applications. The solution is versatile and can be personalized for multiple partners, with a single purpose: to help, support, and continuously improve the services delivered to our partners and their customers.

What Is Saasi Botai, and What Can You Expect?

Saasi Botai is designed to support the consumers of Saascharge partners, EV drivers, and charging site owners by assisting them in locating, initiating, and operating charging stations. The AI Agent responds to user requests in real-time, registers issues as needed, and escalates complex cases to existing support teams.

The AI Agent can answer questions related to:

• How to use charging services
• Pricing and tariffs
• Billing and invoicing
• Operational issues during charging sessions

AI with an Infinite Memory for Processes

Imagine an EV driver who cannot stop a charging session and contacts a partner’s support channel. Saasi Botai can immediately guide the user through the correct steps,  whether via the mobile app, a credit card terminal, or directly on the vehicle — including instructions on safely unlocking the charging connector.

What makes AI extraordinary is its ability to store and apply a vast number of processes, charging equipment specifications, and vehicle models, enabling Saasi Botai to support EV drivers across a wide range of real-world scenarios. The AI Agent can, for example, instantly deliver clear and accurate answers across millions of possible pricing models and billing configurations, anywhere in the world.

Intelligence Built on Real Industry Data and Continuous Learning

This capability is made possible by Saascharge’s deep industry knowledge and data, built from more than 50 partners worldwide, managing tens of thousands of EV drivers and site owners across a wide variety of charging equipment. Saasi Botai continues to learn from new cases, guided and refined by our human support teams, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and continuous improvement.

Secure, Privacy-First AI Architecture

The AI Agent is powered by a Generative AI architecture hosted on AWS, leveraging market-leading AI models from Anthropic, with the flexibility to adapt to additional models in the future.

This AWS-based approach ensures that:

• Our proprietary data models remain protected
• Customer and partner data privacy is preserved
• System integrity and security are maintained

Our AI Strategy: Powered by Humans, Enhanced by AI

We embrace AI as a core part of Saascharge’s company strategy. Since the widespread adoption of ChatGPT at the end of 2023, and with the emergence of models such as Claude (Anthropic), Gemini (Google), and others, AI has fundamentally changed the way we work and build products.

Our AI strategy follows a pragmatic and value-driven approach, structured around four key workstreams:

1. Development acceleration using AI-assisted tools
2. Support organization enhancement with AI Agents
3. Self-care capabilities, enabling diagnosis and auto-resolution through machine learning
4. Usage and load prediction to optimize charging operations

We began internally by accelerating development and creating custom applications for partners. Saasi Botai is starting now with structured processes and coaching instructions, and gradually expanding its capabilities through learning and real-world usage.

Our guiding principle is simple: apply AI where it delivers tangible value, without replacing more efficient solutions such as automation or traditional machine learning when those offer better speed and cost efficiency. For our partners, this means scalable support, better service quality, and controlled operational costs.

zuup and Saascharge partner to expand charging access for Aussie drivers and fleets

zuup, Australia’s driver-first EV charging platform, has teamed up with Saascharge and its network partners, bringing more than 150 new charge points across 80 locations onto zuup Roam – expanding choice and convenience for Aussie drivers and fleets across the country. And with the Saascharge network on track to reach around 1,000 charge points nationwide within two years, this partnership marks the start of a much bigger expansion ahead.

This partnership marks another major milestone for zuup as Saascharge becomes the first official partner to join zuup Roam – the roaming platform and app designed to make EV charging simple, accessible and reliable for Aussies on the go.

Making charging simple, reliable, and accessible

Drivers keep telling us the same thing: charging should be easy. It should work every time. It should fit into everyday life – whether you’re commuting A-to-B, grabbing a coffee, road-tripping, or managing a fleet.

Through this partnership, zuup Roam gives drivers access to more charge points in more places – all through one simple app and account. It’s a step toward a future where Aussies can charge where they want, when they want, starting today – with more networks already in the pipeline for early 2026.

Helping CPOs drive utilisation and visibility

As Australia’s charging network expands, roaming is fast becoming the lifeblood of the EV ecosystem – connecting drivers to more chargers and helping operators get greater value from the assets already in the ground.

By joining zuup Roam, the Saascharge network increases visibility to Aussie EV drivers without any additional hardware, billing or operational overheads. It’s a scalable way for CPOs to grow utilisation and revenue while improving the overall charging experience for drivers.

A platform built around real driver needs

zuup Roam isn’t just another charging app – it’s an experience designed around how Aussies actually drive. Every feature is there to create simplicity, confidence and convenience:

• Smart filtering – automatically tailored to your vehicle, so you can see compatible
  chargers at a glance.
• Local context – check nearby amenities and real-driver reviews before you plug in.
• Smarter charging – set limits and get notifications while you’re on the go.
• Trust at a glance – spot your preferred charging brands and reliable locations
  instantly.

James Kleine, Founder and Managing Director at zuup, said:

We built zuup Roam to deliver the charging experience Aussie drivers expect, shaped by how they actually charge. Partnering with Saascharge as our first roaming partner is a huge moment for zuup, further helping us expand access and bring even more choice to the roads. It’s exactly the kind of collaboration that pushes the whole industry forward.

Richard Albrecht, Founder and CEO at Saascharge, added:

The Saascharge Platform has been developed with eRoaming as a core element that opens charging access to all EV drivers while driving more traffic to our partner network. This win‑win strategy, proven in Europe, is now being extended today in Australia thanks to zuup, enabling drivers to charge seamlessly across multiple networks with a single subscription – giving them the freedom to travel confidently across the country.

How to Build Value for EV Drivers with Smart Pricing

1. Define Your Pricing Objectives

2. Use the Right pricing parameters

A. Standard-Fix Pricing Parameters

These are the most common and static forms of pricing:

Combining these with minimum charges or prepaid amounts can optimize both profitability and customer experience.

B. Time-dependent Pricing Parameters

These aim to influence charging behaviour over time:

These models promote turnover but must be used carefully in specific locations (e.g., hotels or overnight stays).

C. Dynamic Pricing Parameters

Unlike fixed pricing models, dynamic pricing reflects the real-time cost of energy, which fluctuates based on supply and demand influenced by factors such as grid capacity, renewable energy production (e.g., solar and wind), and consumption patterns. Types of Dynamic Pricing:

⚡️ EV charging can represent up to one-third of a household’s daily energy use. By 2040, 15–20% of household consumption could come from EVs. This makes smart pricing models essential for balancing demand, energy costs, and grid pressure.

3. Price Application: How to Apply the Prices

While EV drivers see a single final price, the application model—how and where prices are set in your backend—impacts personalisation, competitiveness, and flexibility. You can choose to apply prices at either the charging station level or EV driver level.

EV driver price level – Consumer-oriented

Charging Station price level – Operator Oriented

Most platforms today default to station-level pricing for simplicity. However, we recommend systems like the Saascharge platform that enable EV driver-level pricing for maximum flexibility and customer engagement.

4. Managing & Monitoring your prices

EV charging prices are only effective when they are actively managed and continuously optimised. A successful pricing strategy requires both internal analysis and external benchmarking on an ongoing basis.

Internal Analysis

 This involves analysing your own network’s charging data. Robust reporting and data analysis capabilities are essential to assess:

• Traffic patterns – Daily, weekly, or seasonal usage trends
• Charging behaviour – Duration of sessions, energy consumed
• User behaviour – Time of day, frequency of visits, repeat users

These insights help you fine-tune pricing at the site level and adapt your strategy to driver habits and demand.

External Benchmarking

 This involves evaluating how your pricing compares to others in the market. Key areas to monitor include:

• Competitor pricing – What nearby charging providers are charging
• Charger types – Types and power levels offered by competitors
• Market expectations – Regional pricing norms and evolving consumer perceptions

While specialised services can provide competitive pricing intelligence, building an internal process for regular price benchmarking is essential for long-term market positioning and profitability.

Final Thoughts: What’s the “Right” Price?

There is no one-size-fits-all price. The right price:

1. Encourages EV drivers to charge at your location
2. Maximises return for your business and station hosts

Example:
At a hotel, applying idle fees may deter guests from staying overnight. However, at a busy Super-Fast Charging hub, combining per-kWh pricing with a time limit or idle fee may boost turnover and revenue.

Pricing isn’t just a cost; it’s a strategic tool. Use it to guide behaviour, boost utilisation, and ultimately deliver value to both drivers and infrastructure owners.

Next comes the billing and invoicing phase, where you can unlock further opportunities with discounts, loyalty programs, and promotional offers. We’ll cover that in our next post. Stay tuned and follow Saascharge for more insights.

The landscape is shifting. New regulations now mandate payment terminals, and the growth of large satellite-style payment kiosks at charging hubs is improving their cost-effectiveness.

Why Do You Need Payment Terminals?

There are several reasons why installing a payment terminal for public EV charging stations is beneficial:

1. Familiarity: Credit card payments are universally recognized and provide an easy-to-use option for consumers.
2. Accessibility: You want to offer your chargers to all drivers—whether they are registered subscribers or occasional users.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Payment terminals are becoming mandatory in different regions, such as the United Kingdom, for certain chargers in the United States, and Germany.
4. Convenience: “Swipe and charge” a simple and practical way to enable EV charging without requiring pre-registration.

How Do EV Payment Terminals Work?

A payment terminal is a physical device that allows drivers to initiate a charging transaction by swiping or tapping a credit card via an NFC reader. These terminals connect to Point-of-Sale (POS) software, which is integrated with an Acquirer Bank and an EV Charging backend.

The EV Charging platform manages pricing, session initiation and termination, and transaction billing. It then relays these transactions to the POS software, which handles invoicing through the Merchant Bank which ensures payments.

Costs & Considerations

• Hardware cost: $300 – $1,000
• Monthly fees: $30 – $50
• Transaction fees: 1.5% – 5%, depending on the provider and region

Due to integration requirements with acquirer banks and high-security standards (e.g., PCI-DSS compliance), these systems are typically provided by specialized companies such as Payter or Worldpay. To ensure seamless transaction processing, they must also be integrated with a Charge Point Management System (CPMS), such as the Saascharge platform.

What Is the Best Approach for Your EV Charging Installation?

When integrating payment terminals with EV charging stations, there are two primary setups: a standalone terminal for each charger or a shared kiosk that manages multiple chargers.

1. Embedded Payment Terminals (Standalone)

An embedded terminal is integrated directly into a charging station, allowing users to pay at each unit. This setup is most feasible for Super-Fast DC chargers (SFDC), as the cost of a payment terminal is almost as high as the cost of a Level 2 charger itself. Thus, for lower-powered stations, this solution may not be the most cost-effective.

2. Kiosk-Based Payment Terminals

A kiosk-based solution features a pedestal with a payment terminal that operates multiple charging stations. This is similar to traditional gas stations, where a single payment terminal controls multiple fuel pumps.

This approach is particularly attractive for Level 2 chargers and charging hubs. We recommend the Saascharge Kiosk setup, which offers the following benefits:

• Cost Efficiency: Especially for Level 2 chargers, as multiple stations can share a single terminal.
• Simplified Maintenance: Repairs and upgrades can be performed without dismantling individual chargers.
• Compatibility: The solution is independent of any specific charging station manufacturer and can be integrated with various chargers.

A complete kiosk solution typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000, with potential additional license fees. The price depends on the product configuration, including screen size, multilingual support, speakers, and installation materials.

However, a kiosk solution doesn’t have to be that expensive. Saascharge, in collaboration with ChargeM8, offers a cost-effective alternative using the Sigma Pedestal with the Payter Apollo terminal. This solution starts at just $1,000 for a full setup—with no additional license fees. That translates to as little as $100 to $250 per charger, depending on the number of chargers connected to the kiosk.

When shall You start?

As the EV charging market continues to evolve, payment terminals are becoming a key component of public charging infrastructure. Whether through embedded payment systems for high-power chargers or cost-effective kiosks for Level 2 charging hubs competitive solutions exists.

We believe that increasing convenience by offering multiple payment methods at charging stations boosts the number of charging sessions and enhances the chances of converting occasional users into subscription-based smartphone users.

So, why wait? Now is the time to integrate an EV payment terminal into your charging network. With the right setup, you can ensure accessibility, compliance, and a seamless charging experience for all users.

At Saascharge, we believe that collaboration and knowledge sharing are the keys to thriving in the fast-paced EV charging industry. Staying informed is critical with new protocols (e.g., OCPP 2.0, ISO 15118, AI energy load prediction…), market entrants, and increasingly complex billing concepts. When new market players start or migrate to a new platform—whether their own or the Saascharge platform—the industry landscape can be overwhelming. This makes continuous access to best practices and use cases essential for success.

As a specialized and independent EV charging SaaS platform, Saascharge has developed a collaborative approach with our partners. By sharing insights and strategies, we help them remain competitive in their respective segments, whether targeting the hospitality sector (e.g., hotels, restaurants), the retail industry (e.g., shopping malls, stores), real estate, or fleet management. Now, we’re taking this a step further with the launch of the Saascharge Access Portal, designed to share: a centralized platform that simplifies access to key resources and supports scalability like no other in the EV charging industry.

• Product Updates
• Latest Market News
• Training Documentation
• Sales Materials (e.g., EV charging presentations for EMPs and CPOs)
• Direct Support Access
• And more…

How Do We Support Your EV Charging Network Objectives?

The EV charging market thrives on scalability and resource optimization. Maximizing transactions per charging point is essential. To achieve this, chargers need to be highly visible, easily locatable, and competitively priced for users searching for charging facilities. Once users arrive, delivering a seamless charging experience—accessible to both registered and non-registered EV drivers—is crucial.

Achieving these objectives involves many processes. At Saascharge, we are committed to sharing these processes openly with our active customers and partners through the Access Portal.

For instance, consider a company electrifying its fleet. The process begins with defining the required capacity and understanding the charging patterns: When does charging need to occur? Next, decisions must be made about the type of charging hardware—whether AC or DC—and the necessary power load. Additionally, the organization must consider:

• Multi-purpose usage: Can the chargers also serve employees or guests?
• Pricing structures: What pricing conditions should apply to each consumer group?
• Home charging: How can home chargers for company cars be managed effectively?
• International eRoaming: Should eRoaming be enabled for cross-border transactions?
• Access methods: What types of access are most suitable—RFID and Plug & Charge for the fleet, a smartphone app for employees, or QR code-based web access for guests?

These are just a few of the detailed, step-by-step analyses we support as part of our consultative approach.

“Sharing is winning. We believe that using platform functions alone isn’t enough. Setting up the right charging solution with the most competitive pricing tailored to your company’s needs can be a game changer—especially when applied with a strategic approach. That’s what we aim to support through our sessions and guides.”
– Richard Albrecht, Saascharge CEO

Let’s work together to make EV charging in 2025 the best experience possible. Contact us today to learn more or access the portal!

Installing charging stations at your hotel, retail store, or residence is both essential and a significant investment that requires a clear return on investment. To make this worthwhile, you need a high frequency of use — from regular users and guests. But how can you ensure high usage and effectively encourage visitors to charge their EVs at your location?

One effective way is to offer €5, $5, or £5 gift vouchers to encourage EV driver guests to charge, shop, stay, or sleep at your location. This is now possible with the Saascharge Web QR Contactless Method, which was developed in 2021 and has since been upgraded to include a voucher feature. It has proven effective in guest parking scenarios.

“The key to making your network busy is to engage with consumers—that’s what gift vouchers can achieve.”

How does it work?

The voucher solution is based on the Web QR access method and the Pre-Pay portfolio allowing you to set the desired value of your vouchers. The process is simple:

• Create Gift Vouchers like €5, £10, or $20.
• Generate digital or printable voucher lists.
• Distribute vouchers to hotels, residences, or companies.
• Engage with EV drivers to enhance loyalty and increase usage.

The EV driver simply scans a QR code. They are directed to a webpage where they can enter the voucher code. Next, they add a payment method, such as a credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.

Costs and Benefits of Offering EV Charging Vouchers

An EV charging voucher represents a monetary value that can be factored into your charging prices. Typically, the voucher value accounts for 20% of an average charging transaction (e.g., a $5 voucher for a $25 transaction). While this might reduce your charging profit, the overall business benefits are substantial:

• Attract new customers: Draw EV drivers to your location and encourage them to shop, dine, or stay while their car charges. Charging can take hours, providing ample opportunity for them to engage with your business.
• Increase usage: Incentives encourage EV drivers to choose their location over others or charge at home.
• Enhance service offerings: EV charging is becoming a must-have amenity for hotels, shopping malls, and businesses, improving the overall customer experience.
• Boost customer loyalty: Offering vouchers shows appreciation for your customers, encouraging them to return.

Will Vouchers Discourage EV Drivers From Registering to Your Network?

Not at all. Gift vouchers can be offered to both guests and regular customers using, for example, a Smartphone app. Rather than discouraging registration, vouchers act as an incentive for EV drivers to join your network. Registered users shall benefit from better pricing and additional rewards, further encouraging loyalty.

What’s Next? Gift Vouchers as a Growth Enabler

Ultimately, the goal is to maximize usage of your charging stations. Gift vouchers help drive more transactions, in addition to regular EV driver activity (subscribers) and users coming via eRoaming agreements or payment terminals.

In summary, engaging with consumers through gift vouchers is a proven way to keep your charging network busy and profitable. Start today!

What is the right EV charging Access method for you?

There are multiple ways to charge an electric vehicle, but unless you’re using a charger in your home garage, you’ll need an access control method to initiate a charging transaction. They are known as ISO 15118 Plug & Charge, smartphone apps, web apps, RFID technology, payment terminals, and Autocharge. The question arises: How do they function and which one should we choose? The objective of this post is to determine the optimal charging access method, whether you’re utilizing a public (commercial), semi-public (fleet), or private (apartment) charging station.

What are these access methods and how do they work?

EV charging access methods encompass the technologies used to identify a driver and initiate a charging transaction, aimed at authorizing and invoicing EV drivers. These methods often utilize physical means such as RFID cards or remote access via smartphone or web applications. It’s important to understand that while these methods facilitate invoicing, they should not be mistaken for the billing protocol, which manages payments after the transaction. We have chosen to categorize access methods based on customer profiles: registered users (subscribers) or occasional users (non-subscribers).

A. Subscriber EV charging Access method: Requiring prior registration for payment

These are EV charging access solutions that necessitate registration with an eMobility Service Provider (EMPs).

Smartphone App

This method entails EV drivers downloading a smartphone application from an online store (e.g., Play Store, Apple Store…). EV drivers are required to register to access multiple functions such as charging station identification (QR code or map point selection), initiating and stopping charging sessions, setting up payment methods (e.g., credit card, Google Pay…), and other features like monitoring energy load and trip planning. These applications are connected to a backend system to facilitate transactions and manage payments.

RFID

RFID is a widely adopted technology for access control in offices, homes, or hotel rooms… To use this method, an EV driver must register and obtain a physical RFID card from an eMobility provider (EMP). The EMP registers the card with its Unique Identifier (UID) to a backend system to manage authorization. The EV driver simply swipes the RFID card on a charging station RFID reader, sending the UID data for identification to the backend. If the card identification is validated, the charging transaction will commence.

Autocharge

Autocharge is the capability to recognize a vehicle connected to a charging station automatically. This functionality allows a charging station equipped with Autocharge to directly identify a connected vehicle using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or MAC address. Subsequently, this data is transmitted to the eMobility platform for validation. Autocharge is considered a Plug & Charge charging method. The identification principle is similar to RFID, as the user must register the car data with the eMobility provider.

Plug & Charge (ISO 15118)

The ISO 15118 principle is comparable to Autocharge, with the distinction that this technology handles the EV driver’s subscription through smart contracts registered within the electric vehicle. Similar to registering a phone with a cellular network, the user selects their eMobility provider (network) directly from the car. This enables secure charging across multiple EV charging networks without the risk of multiple subscriptions, as with Autocharge.

B. Non-Subscriber EV Charging Access Method: On-Site Direct Payment

These are contactless methods that allow access on-site without prior registration.

QR – Web Application

This contactless payment method utilizes a QR code to open a web page, enabling users to initiate a transaction by entering payment details (such as credit cards or services like Google Pay or Apple Pay).

Payment Terminal

The payment terminal is a physical device attached to a charging station that allows drivers to initiate a charging transaction by swiping a credit card on an NFC reader. These Point of Sale (POS) software systems are connected to the charging network backend, which manages the charging process, and to a merchant bank that facilitates settlement of the credit card payment.

How shall I apply these access methods?

The decision to offer these various methods should primarily be based on the location and the type of customers.

We can observe how various technologies diverge depending on their usage. For example, contactless methods applicability depends on the type of charging stations with QR codes being suitable for Level 2, and credit card terminals being preferred for fast chargers. Additionally, in private and semi-private environments, RFID is ideal for residential settings with AC chargers, while Autocharge is well-suited for companies with fast chargers. When accessing public chargers, we recommend using a Smartphone application, and when applicable, Plug & Charge ISO 15118 due to its high level of convenience.

What Access Method Should EV Charging Networks Adopt?

 We recommend the following approach for eMobility providers and Charging Point Operators when selecting and applying access methods:

1st: Flexibility: Utilize these methods in parallel based on the service provider system (CPO or EMP backend) and charging station technology.

 

2nd: Openness: As a principle Commercial and Public charging stations should be accessible for both registered and non-registered users.

 

3rd: Convenience: Prioritize user experience, offering the convenience of using a service without registration, while registered users should benefit from features like “click & charge” or “Plug & Charge”.

Finally, commercial conditions should be tailored to the registration process. While charging services should be available to anyone, subscribers should always receive preferential conditions.

As announced at ICNC 2023, the EV charging market is entering a new phase characterized by increased profitability, shifting away from endless investments with no near-term market return. According to the latest WRI report, global sales of electric vehicles are nearing 10 to 80%, signaling that we are entering a transformative phase.

From the perspective of the EV charging network, we are entering a scaling phase where the number of charging points and transactions are crucial. We believe that achieving this scale requires offering the best service, attractive prices, and a healthy cost base. Regarding products, while we acknowledge the need for more intelligence in energy management, we also recognize that it remains a commodity. Therefore, the focus is on products that drive transactions. In this context, here are our commercial trends for 2024.

1. More access and payment mean greater availability!

A charging station located in a public area should be accessible to anyone, much like an ATM is available to any debit card holder. In the EV charging world, accessibility entails providing contactless payment methods for non-subscribers or, for subscribers, using your network or another network through eRoaming. Direct payment methods without registration are crucial, especially in some US states or countries such as the UK or Germany.

QR – Web-based payment

Scan a QR code, add your credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay on a webpage, and click ‘Start Charge.’ This straightforward QR web direct payment method eliminates the need for registration. It is a low-cost solution with no maintenance fees, making it ideal for guest parking areas.

Payment terminal

The physical payment terminal is operated by payment software and facilitates contactless payments through NFC technology. This solution, offered by companies like Payter or Nayax, has been widely embraced by numerous charging station Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). While it is a recognized consumer solution, it comes with a significant cost both in terms of acquisition and maintenance, similar to Level 2 chargers. However, it proves most effective for DC Super-fast chargers (DCSFC)

Plug and charge – ISO 15118

The plug and charge principle, well-known for Tesla super-fast chargers, is now accessible across all networks through the ISO 15118 standard. Simply plug in your car, start charging, and your account will be credited automatically. The key principle involves integrating the network subscription within the car through a smart contract, enabling recognition of the EV driver in any network. This integration necessitates alignment among the car, the charger, and the operating network (CPO and EMP). As seamless as making a phone call, this method represents the future of EV charging!

2. Dynamic Pricing, Load Pricing to Stimulate Charging Events

Load management is a complex process that necessitates behavioral changes in charging practices. Rather than imposing strict capacity restrictions, we believe that optimizing load is best achieved through incentivizing when to charge. This involves introducing dynamic pricing models that vary based on both time and power consumption.”

EV Driver load pricing, the ‘pay for what you need’ principle

This feature enables offering EV drivers various prices for different charging capacities, allowing users to pay a premium for full power instead of waiting with lower power. For instance, if you’re planning an extended trip and need your car fully charged overnight, you may choose to pay more for a full 11 or 22 kW, while other residents might prefer the lowest tariffs for their daily commute. The concept is to assign value to the power output.

Dynamic pricing

This function aims to provide varied prices based on the grid capacity. When the electricity network has surplus capacity, a lower price will be offered. Conversely, during periods of limited capacity, higher prices will be applicable. This approach encourages EV drivers to adjust their charging behavior, thereby supporting the capacity of the electricity grid. It represents a win-win solution for all parties involved: EV drivers, charging networks, and grid operators.

3. Advertising & Promotion – Attracting EV Drivers to Your Locations

The success of public/commercial chargers’ business model hinges on maximizing EV transactions. This goal can be accomplished by promoting your network through special prices and commercial offerings.

Attract EV Drivers to Your Location with Advertising

For retailers, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments, charging infrastructure presents a valuable opportunity to draw customers to their premises. Charging vouchers, coupled with other promotions such as coffee or meal discounts, serve as tools to guide customers to choose their charging locations over others, as discussed in this article. We develop geo-advertising tools to promote their locations through advertisements on both their smartphone applications and the screens of their charging stations

Let’s shift gears and gear up for the hockey stick growth!

The key to supporting this surge lies in delivering the right charging services, propelling revenues and growth to new heights. At Saascharge, we are looking forward to working together towards this objective.

All customers providing commercial EV charging services utilize a platform known as the back office. This platform serves as the central hub for operating charging stations, handling tasks such as support, authorization, billing, and energy management. The majority of market players opt for one of three approaches: developing a proprietary platform in-house, purchasing an existing platform from the market, or utilizing a Software as a Service (SAAS) platform. Each of these approaches comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses but what is the best approach?

EV charging backend growing market requirements

The era of relying on an OCPP driver providing CDRs (charging data records), basic pricing plans with an operational console along with an app for initiating transactions, has passed. Today, a competitive EV charging backend is required to provide complex pricing mechanisms, accommodate various tiers of customers (Charging station operator, Site owner, locations…), and manage billing processes involving the integration of diverse payment gateways (e.g. Stripe, Payter, TRX, among others). Next to that, we have to integrate energy management protocols such as OSCP or OpenADR, assimilate different eRoaming protocols (such as OICP, OCPI) and hubs (e.g. Hubject, Gireve), and ultimately merge all of this seamlessly into a company’s operational environment (e.g. ERP integration). This requires knowledge and a state-of-the-art EV platform.

EV charging backend market models

1. House-made development: This entails the necessity of recruiting or establishing a comprehensive IT and product team to fabricate a competitively viable platform.
2. Purchasing an existing market solution: These pre-constructed solutions are retailed by companies specializing in commercial EV Charging backends, often offering room for certain customizations.
3. SAAS solution: This involves acquiring a fully prepared and hosted market-ready backend and application through a licensed arrangement, typically based on charging points with system integrations facilitated by APIs.

Make, buy, or lease an EV charging software? Let’s compare!

Here is a short estimated comparison for 1’000 to 10’000 charging points with development costs that includes all charges for a complete charging service setup: (Analysis, Development, testing, White labeling, configuration…). The yearly management costs include hosting (server), service support, and market adaptations (new functionalities).

The optimal approach depends on your company’s structure, strategy, and timeline for achieving your objectives. Based on this analysis, it appears that the most suitable model would be to begin by utilizing a competitive SAAS solution until you have reached a certain number of charging stations (e.g., 10,000). At that point, it could become financially viable to develop your own platform. However, this decision goes beyond a mere ‘make or buy’ cost analysis. Establishing your own platform would necessitate assembling a comprehensive team of market experts, analysts, and developers, solely to create a standard version. This expertise is readily available with a SAAS solution, and additionally, you gain the flexibility to customize your platform by integrating key systems (e.g. ERP for invoicing, ticketing system, CRM…) with APIs.

What if you could customize and adapt your model progressively?

It’s evident that every emerging EV charging business undergoes a learning curve. By commencing with a SAAS solution, you can create an attractive product, pricing, and distribution model, and subsequently refine the approach on a step-by-step basis by integrating key applications. This is possible through a modular and evolutive platform such as Saascharge with its API catalog.

At Saascharge, we have noticed that around 30% of customers (including CPOs or EMPs) tend to start by gradually integrating essential business applications. Then, they explore the possibility of developing more significant Smartphone Apps or other user-facing applications.

The benefit to invest and develop in what truly matters

The foundation of a great EV charging solution lies in delivering reliable and cost-attractive charging services. There are core service elements that you can hardly differentiate from other EV charging software. It’s all about specifics! For example, integrating with an external Energy Management System (EMS) for load management or linking with an ERP to automate invoicing for fleets, rather than relying on standard ‘credit cards’ payments. This holds greater significance than attempting to replicate existing features. You can also build specialized business applications for hotels, Fleets, Real estate management or Retailers…

Start Your EV Charging Journey with a Competitive SAAS Model and Evolve through Selective API System Integration

Despite weighing the pros and cons of various models, a backend inherently offers a range of shared functionalities. Initiating your journey today using a competitive SAAS model with API integration is a pragmatic approach to adapt your model as you grow (e.g. more EV Drivers, charging points…). This is an opportunity to create a unique EV charging product built upon your proprietary applications! Make or buy an EV charging platform? Don’t compromise, let’s get the best of both!