The vital role of CPOs
Charge Point Operators are the backbone of the public EV charging ecosystem. They are responsible for funding, building, and maintaining charging stations—tasks that require both financial investment and operational expertise. Sona Energy Solutions, for instance, operates DCFC stations in partnership with Wendy’s. While these stations appear on platforms like PlugShare under the EV Connect network, it’s Sona Energy that manages their day-to-day operations.
This distinction is key. EV Connect provides the software that powers payment processing, station monitoring, and reporting. However, it’s the CPO—Sona Energy in this case—that ensures the stations are functional and reliable. From handling maintenance to absorbing financial losses (or enjoying profits), the CPO is ultimately accountable. Kaiser describes the CPO as the most important player in the charging ecosystem, stating bluntly: “The buck stops with the CPO.”
For EV drivers, this means that reliability hinges on the CPO’s ability to keep chargers running smoothly. While networks and software are vital, the average driver cares most about whether the station is convenient, reliable, and ready to deliver a charge. As Kaiser notes, “Location and reliability matter more than anything else.”
Moving past “network” confusion
A recurring issue in the industry is the use of the term “EV Charging Network.” Kaiser argues that this phrase is misleading and obscures the real responsibilities of different companies. While networks provide the software backbone for managing chargers, they aren’t typically responsible for building or maintaining the physical infrastructure.
Instead of “network,” Kaiser suggests more accurate terms like “Charger Management System” (CMS) or simply referring to companies by their specific roles, such as CPO. This clarity would help drivers and stakeholders better understand who is ultimately responsible for the charging experience.
Understanding the ecosystem’s complexity
The EV charging industry features a wide range of participants, each playing distinct but sometimes overlapping roles. At one end of the spectrum are pure software providers like EV Connect, which focus solely on CMS technology. At the other end are companies like Blink and FLO, which not only manage their own CMS but also act as CPOs for some sites.
Then there are hardware manufacturers like Autel Energy. While Autel manages its own CMS, it also allows other companies to use its hardware, giving CPOs more flexibility. In contrast, companies like EVPassport offer bundled solutions, combining hardware and CMS into turnkey packages. This diversity of approaches reflects the industry’s rapid evolution but can also add to the confusion about who is responsible for what.
New players are also entering the scene. IONNA, for example, is a well-funded initiative backed by major automakers aiming to deploy 30.000 charging ports by 2030. Although they don’t yet have active sites, their aggressive expansion plans highlight the growing focus on public DCFC infrastructure. Other automakers, such as Mercedes-Benz and General Motors, are also investing in or operating CPO efforts, showing that collaboration across industries is key to meeting demand.
Prioritising reliability and accountability
At its core, Kaiser’s analysis underscores the importance of reliability. Drivers don’t necessarily care which company is behind a charger or what software it uses—they care that it works. A well-located, reliable charger can make all the difference for an EV driver, especially when they’re on the go.
For this reason, the CPO’s role cannot be overstated. These companies are responsible for ensuring chargers are available, functional, and delivering the charging experience drivers expect. As Kaiser notes, the industry must prioritize transparency and accountability to meet these expectations.
Looking ahead
The public DCFC ecosystem in the U.S. is complex and still maturing. By clarifying the roles of CPOs, networks, and other stakeholders, the industry can better serve EV drivers and accelerate the shift toward electrified transportation. As Kaiser points out, it’s time to move past vague terms like “network” and focus on the real drivers of a successful charging experience.
While this is just the beginning of the conversation, one thing is clear: the future of EV charging depends on reliability, location, and a clear understanding of who’s responsible. With more players entering the space and infrastructure expanding rapidly, transparency will be key to building a system that works for everyone.
Source: Chris Kaiser
