EV Charging Platforms: Which One Is Right for Your Business?
As the electric vehicle (EV) industry continues to grow, so does the demand for reliable and efficient software platforms to manage EV charging infrastructure. Whether you’re a small business owner, a large• scale fleet operator, or a charge point operator (CPO), having the right platform can be crucial to optimizing energy use, streamlining operations, and providing a seamless experience for EV drivers.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different categories of software solutions available in the EV charging space and dive deeper into a comparison of three prominent platforms—Monta, Driivz, and EVOLV—highlighting their strengths and how they cater to different users.
The EV Charging Software Landscape
The software ecosystem around EV charging infrastructure is vast, with several key categories of products that serve different needs within the industry:
1. Charge Point Management Systems (CPMS): Platforms designed to help operators manage charging stations. These systems often include features for monitoring chargers, billing, energy consumption tracking, and maintenance. Examples include Driivz, EVOLV, and EV Connect.
2. Driver• Focused Platforms: Software aimed at providing seamless charging experiences for EV drivers, including locating, booking, and paying for charging stations. Apps like Monta are part of this category.
3. Energy Management and Smart Charging Solutions: These platforms are more advanced, focusing on energy optimization. They allow operators to integrate renewable energy sources, manage grid interactions, and handle demand• response scenarios. Driivz excels here.
4. Fleet and Site Management Platforms: Solutions that combine charging management with broader site or fleet operations, such as monitoring energy consumption and managing infrastructure. EVOLV offers this kind of holistic platform.
Comparing Monta, Driivz, and EVOLV
1. Monta – Driver• Focused, User• Friendly Charging Solution
Monta is primarily designed for small operators and individual EV drivers. It’s a plug• and• play solution that enables businesses and CPOs to offer charging services without complex technical setups. Monta’s mobile app allows drivers to easily find, book, and pay for charging stations, making it an ideal solution for gas station owners or small• scale operators who want a simple, cost• effective way to introduce EV charging.
Key Features:
- Simple setup for CPOs.
- Mobile app for EV drivers to locate and reserve chargers.
- Basic pricing and usage data for operators.
Ideal for: Small businesses or individual charge point operators who need a low• maintenance solution and are primarily focused on providing a service to local EV drivers.
2. Driivz – Advanced, Scalable EV Charging Platform
Driivz is an enterprise• level platform designed for large• scale operators, utilities, and fleet managers. It offers a robust Charge Point Management System (CPMS) with a range of advanced features, including energy management, billing, fleet optimization, and integration with the grid for demand• response and smart charging. If your operation is spread across multiple locations or involves managing hundreds of EV chargers, Driivz provides the tools needed to manage this complexity.
Key Features:
- Scalable management for large networks of chargers.
- Smart charging and energy optimization tools that integrate with the grid.
- Advanced billing, maintenance monitoring, and fleet management.
Ideal for: Large network operators, utilities, and fleet managers who need advanced tools for managing complex, multi• site operations, and optimizing energy usage across a large network.
3. EVOLV – Comprehensive Site and Charging Management Solution
EVOLV is part of the Zero Impact Energy Group (ZIE) and offers a more holistic solution for managing EV charging infrastructure, tailored for businesses and site operators. Unlike Driivz, which focuses heavily on network scale and energy optimization, EVOLV integrates operational insights, site management, and charger performance monitoring. It’s a complete solution for operators who want more than just charging—EVOLV helps manage interactions with utility companies, site design, and maintenance.
However, EVOLV currently does not integrate with solar power or Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which limits its energy management potential compared to Driivz.
Key Features:
- Real• time data and analytics on charger performance and usage.
- Integrated site management services, from infrastructure design to maintenance.
- Customer portals and mobile app interfaces for EV drivers.
Ideal for: Site operators looking for an end• to• end platform to manage their charging infrastructure and related services, especially if they plan to scale their operations and need operational support beyond just charging.
Choosing the Right Platform
Each platform serves a unique purpose in the EV charging ecosystem, catering to different levels of operational complexity. Monta, Driivz, and EVOLV each shine in their respective niches, offering solutions from simple driver• focused apps to full• scale energy and site management systems.
- If you’re a small operator (e.g., gas station owner) looking for an easy• to• use, no• fuss solution, Monta is the best option. It simplifies the process for both operators and drivers without requiring extensive infrastructure or technical knowledge.
- If you’re managing a large network or fleet and need advanced energy management, Driivz is the clear choice. Its smart charging capabilities, grid integration, and scalable management tools make it indispensable for large operations.
- If you’re a site operator seeking a comprehensive solution for overall site management, including charger monitoring and customer services, EVOLV offers an all• in• one package, although its lack of solar and BESS integration may limit energy cost optimization at the moment.
By aligning your charging infrastructure with the right software, you can not only offer a seamless experience to your customers but also optimize your operations for cost, efficiency, and sustainability.