Managing large fleets is complex for operators, logistics firms, charge point providers, and mobility services. Speaking to EFY’s Nitisha, Manish Tiwari of Cero Smart Mobility unveils software solutions that tackle these challenges and optimise fleet efficiency.
Q. Could you tell us about Cero’s EV charging platform?
A. Our advanced station management platform is designed to meet the diverse needs of workplaces, charge point operators, and mobility service providers. Featuring cutting-edge capabilities like dynamic load management, interoperability, and integration with multiple payment gateways, the platform empowers businesses to customise their EV charging networks. By streamlining setup and operations, Cero enables organisations to efficiently serve their customers and accelerate the adoption of sustainable transportation.
Q. How does the platform handle subscriptions, charging, metering, and invoicing?
A. The business model revolves around an annual subscription, which forms the foundation for expanding the fleet. The platform operates as a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solution, where customers typically sign an initial four-year contract. The subscription is mandatory during this period, and customers can renew after the contract term ends. Integrating the platform with charging stations is vital, enabling seamless remote management. Users can start or stop the charging process remotely via a mobile app, an RFID card, or assistance from someone in a control room. Once charging begins, the system tracks and meters the power consumption, providing detailed insights into the energy delivered to the vehicle. This data calculates the invoice value for the customer, making the entire process efficient and automated. The platform ensures a comprehensive solution for managing charging operations, billing, and fleet expansion through its advanced features and connectivity.
Q. How does the platform handle real-time data synchronisation for extensive charging networks?
A. The system operates asynchronously, updating data at predefined intervals, such as every 10, 15, or 30 seconds. While it is not strictly real-time, it provides near-real-time updates. Setting the frequency to one second is possible but places a high load on the system, making intervals like 10 or 30 seconds more practical. The primary focus is updating key data, such as meter values during charging, to reflect power consumption frequently. Additionally, status updates, like when charging stops, should be made immediately to free the station for others. These updates ensure timely and efficient information sharing, supporting optimal system usage without overwhelming the infrastructure.
Q. Which protocol versions does the platform support?
A. The system supports nearly all protocol versions, including the latest version 2.0.1. It is fully compatible with version 1.6—standard across all charging stations in India—and earlier versions. Comprehensive support is provided for implementing and integrating any protocol into existing systems.
Q. Does this software provide open APIs for custom IoT integrations?
A. It offers open APIs that can be shared for various integrations. For instance, if someone wants to develop their mobile app or integrate charging services into a broader app offering multiple features, our APIs make all this easily achievable.
