Plugzmart’s ‘relay’ offers multi-network EV charging without OCPI lock-in

MUMBAI: In a market where large-scale interoperability is increasingly essential, OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) has become a de facto standard for roaming among mature EV charging networks.

However, its complexity often presents a roadblock for newer entrants or for rapid deployment in dynamic environments. To bridge this gap, Plugzmart has introduced 'Relay', a multi-CMS connect platform that enables interoperability without requiring every stakeholder to adopt and maintain the full OCPI stack.Relay offers a simplified yet powerful solution for Charging Point Operators (CPOs), particularly fleet operators, by connecting to multiple Charge Management Systems (CMS).

Instead of linking each EV charger to a single CMS, CPOs can now connect their chargers to Plugzmart’s Relay platform, which then interfaces with multiple CMS platforms. This architecture ensures that even if one network experiences downtime, others continue to operate, keeping charging stations functional and fleet operations uninterrupted.The Relay platform also provides a unified dashboard for operators, offering a comprehensive view of all connected CMS platforms without compromising on individual backend control.

This bird’s-eye view simplifies day-to-day operations and enables better network oversight.

Plugzmart’s middleware is engineered to dynamically route each charging session to the relevant CMS, based on real-time session details. This not only ensures accurate billing and session tracking but also addresses the broader technical and business needs of fleet operations, retail CPOs, and enterprise users looking for high reliability and operational clarity."Relay enables higher charging utilization for fleet operations by connecting with multiple CMS platforms, including those specifically built for fleet management. If one network experiences downtime, others continue to operate, ensuring uninterrupted charging availability and smoother fleet operations," the company stated.One of the platform’s most significant advantages is its multi-network compatibility.

By allowing chargers to work across various e-mobility service providers, Relay expands accessibility and attracts a wider network of users and partners. This not only enhances customer reach but also drives up utilization and revenue potential for charging stations.“Serve multiple networks and customer groups simultaneously to keep charging stations active and profitable,” Plugzmart said. “Even if one network faces downtime, others continue to operate, ensuring consistent usage and better overall efficiency.”Plugzmart has also built Relay with an eye on long-term flexibility. The middleware avoids the risk of vendor lock-in by allowing CPOs to operate independently of any single CMS provider. This offers them the freedom to switch, upgrade, or integrate with additional CMS platforms as business needs evolve."Plugzmart’s middleware intelligently routes charging sessions to the appropriate CMS enabling smooth multi-network operations,” the company said, highlighting the system’s dynamic session management capabilities.The platform is designed for flexible integration, especially with OCPP-compliant chargers. This ensures minimal setup time and no hardware changes for CPOs looking to expand their footprint. “Plugzmart’s middleware seamlessly integrates with Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)-compliant chargers, ensuring minimal setup time and no hardware changes. This enables the scaling up of operations by CPOs without any hardware upgrades.

”As India’s EV ecosystem expands, solutions like Relay could play a pivotal role in helping charging infrastructure keep pace with demand, while giving operators the flexibility and resilience needed in a fast-evolving market.