Players around the charging station

From the CPO, to the MSP, to the ESC

all the players involved at a glance!

The best possible integration of electromobility into energy infrastructures requires intensive cooperation between all the players involved and a corresponding exchange of data. In order to provide the end customer with a smooth charging experience at charging stations, many players are involved in this process. Who they are and what their respective areas of responsibility are is explained in more detail below.

CPO

The CPO (Charge Point Operator) can be the owner or lessee of a charging pole and is responsible for the installation, operation, service and maintenance of the charging pole. In addition, he is liable for ensuring that no danger emanates from the charging pole at any time. Regular maintenance of the electrotechnical equipment by the CPO can prevent or eliminate potential electrical and fire accidents. In addition, the CPO must procure the electricity for the charging pole and ensure access to the charging pole. Authentication and payment at a charging pole is done by a mobility service provider, which is also known as a roaming provider. It is also possible that the CPO also acts as an MSP.

EMP/ESP/MSP

EMP/ESP/MSP (E-Mobility Provider or E-Mobility Service Provider) do not have their own charging infrastructure, but are companies that provide and operate access to charging stations from other different CPOs. This means that they rent the charging services and make them available to their customers, for example by providing access to charging stations via charging cards or apps. This is usually done via an e-roaming platform provided by the RNO. The subsequent billing then takes place between the CPO provider and the EMP/ESP.

DSO/TSO

The DSOs (distribution network operators) are responsible for the networks at regional and local level. As a rule, these are low-voltage grids, which are needed to ensure the distribution of electricity and gas to end consumers. The TSO (transmission system operator) works closely with the DSO, as the latter uses the DSO's networks to manage the transport of electricity over long distances. The development of electric mobility poses major challenges for DSOs and TSOs, as the expansion of the grid is becoming increasingly relevant.

RNO

The RNO (Roaming Network Operator) is the operator of an e-roaming platform that enables the exchange of billing-relevant charging data between the CPO and the EMP/ESP. In addition, billing can be done by the customer's contracting company, independent of the charging pole's operating company. Examples of these platforms include Intercharge or e-clearing.

EPC

The EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) acts as a general contractor or general contractor and is responsible for the execution of construction projects. This form of execution can be assigned to the construction industry and there specifically to plant construction. The international designation EPC describes the actors who are responsible for the detailed planning, control, procurement and execution of the construction and installation work. This also includes the turnkey handover on an agreed date and at an agreed fixed price. The framework conditions for these projects are laid down in contracts for work and services, which in the international arena are often structured according to FIDIC specifications.

EVO

The EVO (Electric Vehicle Operator) is in most cases the operator of a fleet. This can be, for example, a company that is legally responsible for its fleet as vehicle operator. Alternatively, the responsibility and associated duties can be transferred to a separate fleet manager, which is always the case with larger companies. An EVO can therefore take various forms and is thus a natural or legal person.

ECS

The ESC (energy supply company) is responsible for the supply of electricity and gas. Instead, the grid operator is responsible for operating the gas and electricity grids. For an energy supply company, investing in the installation of charging columns can offer various advantages. For example, the cross-selling option can have an impact on the earnings situation in addition to improving the image. The five largest German ESC's include RWE, EnBW, E.ON, Vattenfall and EWE, all of which are active in the field of "charging".

MPO

The MPO (metering point operator) is responsible for electricity metering by operating a metering point between the grid and the installation. The electricity meter is installed, operated and continuously maintained by the metering point operator.

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