EV charging glossary

A charging management system connects chargers to a central platform so operators can manage stations, connectors, sessions, tariffs, billing and driver services from one place. It is the same kind of system as a CPMS or CSMS, and CMS is the term most operators use day to day.

Also called: CPMS, CSMS, EV charging management system

Iris Network is a white-label CMS with a branded driver app, for charge point operators and eMSPs.

A CPMS is the software a charge point operator uses to run its chargers remotely: it connects every charger to one platform to monitor status, start and stop sessions, set tariffs, bill drivers, push firmware updates and fix faults. CPMS, CMS (charging management system) and CSMS all name the same kind of system; CMS is the most common in everyday use.

Also called: CMS, CSMS, charging management system, charging management software, EV charging management platform

Iris Network is a white-label CPMS with a branded driver app, managing chargers over OCPP 1.6J and 2.0.1.

CSMS is the name the OCPP specification uses for the central system that chargers connect to. In practice it means the same thing as a CPMS or CMS: the back office that monitors and controls a network of EV chargers.

Iris Network acts as the CSMS for OCPP 1.6J and 2.0.1 chargers.

A CPO owns or operates EV charging stations: it keeps them running, sets prices and earns revenue from charging sessions. A CPO runs its network on a CMS (CPMS) and often shares it with other networks through roaming.

An eMSP gives EV drivers access to charging, usually through an app or charging card, and bills them for it. Through roaming, an eMSP can offer charging on chargers run by many different CPOs. One company can be both a CPO and an eMSP.

Also called: EMSP, MSP, mobility service provider

Iris Network includes a white-label eMSP driver app and roams over OCPI 2.2.1 in both the CPO and eMSP role.

OCPP is the open protocol that EV chargers use to talk to a CMS (CPMS). It covers starting and stopping sessions, authorising drivers, reporting meter values and faults, remote commands and firmware updates. OCPP 1.6J (JSON over WebSocket) is the most widely deployed version; OCPP 2.0.1 adds device management, better security and smart charging features. It is maintained by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA).

Iris supports OCPP 1.6J and 2.0.1 and is integrated with chargers from 35+ manufacturers.

OCPI is the open protocol for EV roaming: it lets a CPO and an eMSP exchange charger locations, live availability, tariffs, sessions and billing records, so drivers can charge on networks they have no contract with. OCPI 2.2.1 is the current widely used version.

Iris Network roams over OCPI 2.2.1 in both the CPO and eMSP role.

Roaming lets a driver charge on another operator’s network with their usual app or card. The networks connect directly over OCPI, or through a roaming hub that connects many operators at once, and settle payments between themselves.

EVSE is the technical term for the charging equipment that delivers power to an electric vehicle. In OCPI, an EVSE is one charging point at a location that can charge one vehicle at a time, and it can have several connectors.

A charge point is the physical charger. One charge point can have one or more EVSEs and connectors, and it connects to a CMS (CPMS) over OCPP.

Also called: charging station, charger

AC chargers supply alternating current that the vehicle’s on-board charger converts, typically at up to 22 kW, and suit homes, workplaces and destinations. DC fast chargers convert power in the charger and deliver it straight to the battery, at 50 kW to 350 kW or more, for highways and quick top-ups.

ISO 15118 is the standard for communication between an electric vehicle and a charger. It enables Plug & Charge, where the car identifies itself and charging starts without an app or card, and it is the basis for bidirectional charging.

Also called: Plug & Charge

Smart charging adjusts when and how fast vehicles charge, to stay within a site’s grid connection, use cheaper or cleaner energy, or have fleet vehicles ready before departure. OCPP carries the charging limits from the management system to each charger.

Also called: load management, load balancing

Uptime is the share of time a charger is available and able to charge. It is the main reliability measure for a charging network, and many public funding programmes set a minimum.

Predictive maintenance uses charger telemetry, fault codes and session data to forecast which chargers will fail before they do, so operators can fix them on a planned visit instead of after drivers find them broken.

Iris R-One predicts EV charger failures up to 3 weeks ahead with up to 97% accuracy.

Charger asset management keeps one record per charger across its whole life: inventory, installation, commissioning, maintenance, faults and replacement parts, so operators know what they own, where it is and what state it is in.

Iris R-One manages every charger on one asset record.

A white-label platform is software a CPO or eMSP runs under its own brand: the driver app, website and receipts carry the operator’s name and design, while the software vendor maintains the platform.

Iris Network is fully white-label, including the driver app.