CPOs and MSPs: who they are and what role they play in electric mobility

The electric vehicle charging ecosystem is based on a complex network of specialized operators who work together to ensure a smooth and accessible charging experience. When you connect your electric vehicle to a charging station, that simple gesture activates a chain of services managed by different professionals , each with specific roles and responsibilities.

Understanding the differences betweenCPOs(Charging Point Operators),MSPs(Mobility Service Providers), andEMSPs(E-Mobility Service Providers) is essential to understanding how the entire electric mobility supply chain works, who invests in infrastructure, who bills you for the service, and how these players work together to enable the transition to sustainable mobility.

CPO: physical infrastructure managers

TheCharging Point Operator (CPO)is the entity thatowns, installs, and physically managescharging stations in the area. The CPO is a key link in the chain because it supportsthe initial investmentneeded to build the infrastructure, which includes not only the purchase of the charging stations but also the costs of installation, connection to the power grid, and obtaining permits.

It interfaces with public or private partners to obtainstrategic locationsfor station placement, which may include public parking lots, highway service areas, shopping centers, hotels, or other accommodation facilities.

The CPO's operational responsibilities include choosing thetechnology for the stationsbased on local needs, installing them in accordance with current regulations,performing routine and extraordinary maintenanceon the hardware, andconstantly monitoringthe network to ensure the continuous operation of the charging points.

CPOs must also manage complex technical aspects such as connection to the power grid with adequate power capacity, integration withcentralized management systems(CMS – Charge Management System), software updates for stations, and timely resolution of technical faults.

CPOs can beenergy utilitiesthat extend their business to electric mobility, companies specializing exclusively in charging infrastructure, large retailers that want to offer additional services to their customers, or automotive operators that vertically integrate the supply chain.

Theirbusiness modelis primarily based on end-user utilization of the stations, often through commercial agreements with MSPs/EMSPs that bring customers onto their network, or by selling the service directly to end users.

MSP and EMSP: the bridge between infrastructure and user

Mobility Service Providers (MSPs)orE-Mobility Service Providers (EMSPs)represent thecommercial and customer-facing sideof the charging ecosystem.

These operatorsdo not necessarily owntheir own physical infrastructure, but offer end users access to charging stations viamobile apps, RFID cards, contactless cards, or other digital authentication systems.

The distinction between MSP and EMSP is often minimal, with the term EMSP being used more frequently in the European context to emphasize the electrical component of mobility.

EMSPs manage thedirect and ongoing relationship with the end customer: they create and maintain user accounts with all personal and payment data, establishpricing plansand commercial offers, process payments via credit cards or other methods, issue invoices, and providemultichannel customer support.

Their main added value lies in offering access to anextensive and widespread networkof charging stations, bringing together the infrastructure of dozens or hundreds of different CPOs throughroaming and interoperability agreements.

This means that with a single app or card, you can access thousands of charging stations managed by different operators, both in Italy and abroad, without having to sign separate contracts with each individual CPO.

EMSPs also handle strategic activities such asmarketingto acquire new customers, developingloyalty programs, creatingadditional value-added servicessuch as intelligent trip planning with optimized charging stops, real-time location of available stations with information on power and price, integration with digital payment systems and wallets, and analysis of usage data to continuously improve the user experience.

Comparison of roles

Collaboration: how CPOs and EMSPs work together

The efficient functioning of the electric charging ecosystem relies ontechnical and commercial interoperabilitybetween CPOs and EMSPs.

When a user recharges their vehicle using the app or card of an EMSP at a station operated by a different CPO, a complexexchange of real-time informationand financial transactions between the two operators is triggered.

The EMSP charges the end user for the session according to its own rates and contractual conditions, while the CPO receivescompensation for the useof its infrastructure, retaining its own margin.

Thisseparation of rolesand responsibilities allows for greater flexibility and market efficiency: CPOs can focuson operational excellence, widespread network expansion, and optimization of infrastructure management costs, while EMSPs focus oncustomer service, transparency, and the overall user experience. This specialization promotes innovation in both segments of the supply chain.​

Some players in the electric mobility market operate simultaneously asCPOs and EMSPs, managing both their own physical infrastructure and the service provided to end users. Thisintegrated modeloffers complete control over the value chain, the ability to guarantee consistent service standards, and the opportunity to gather insights throughout the supply chain to optimize operations.

Protocols and standards for interoperability

To ensure that this complex system operates efficiently and scalably, the electric mobility industry has developed and adopted internationally recognizedstandard protocols.The OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol)manages communication between individual charging stations and CPO centralized management systems, allowing any compliant station to communicate with any management platform.

The OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface), on the other hand, regulates data exchange between different CPOs and EMSPs, including information on tariffs, station availability, charging authorizations, and billing data.

Theseopen standardsallow different operators to collaborate without proprietary technological barriers, creatinga seamless experiencefor the end user, who can recharge anywhere without worrying about who physically manages the charging station or what commercial agreements exist in the backend.

Interoperability is key to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, eliminatingrange anxietyand making the experience comparable to traditional fueling.

Future market trends

The electric charging market is evolving rapidly, with trends that are redefining the boundaries between CPOs and EMSPs. More and more operators are adoptinghybrid modelsthat combine both roles, while technological platforms are emerging that facilitate aggregation and interoperability.

The growth of electric vehicles is also attractingnew players from adjacent sectors: oil companies converting gas stations, highway operators, hotel and restaurant chains, all interested in offering charging services as an added value for their customers.

The distinction between these players therefore represents thebackboneof a mature and competitive market, where specialization enables operational efficiency, targeted investments, and continuous innovation in customer service.

Understanding these roles helps users and operators who want to enter this rapidly expanding market to better navigate the electric mobility ecosystem and makeinformed choices.

Choose Powy your electric mobility

Powy combines the best of both worlds: we manage anetwork of charging stationsas a CPO and offer aninnovative and user-friendly serviceas an EMSP through our app. With Powy , you can access thousands of charging points, monitor your sessions in real time, and benefit from transparent rates.

Whether you are an individual looking for reliable charging solutions or a company interested in installing infrastructure for your employees and customers, Powy accompanies Powy in the transition to sustainable mobility with cutting-edge technology and dedicated assistance.

Electric charging has never been easier.Discover the Powy charging network Powy your daily commute and our solutions for partners. Visit our website or download the app.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about CPO and MSP

What is the difference between CPO, MSP, and EMSP?
The CPO (Charging Point Operator) physically owns and manages the charging stations, taking care of the installation, maintenance, and operation of the infrastructure. MSP (Mobility Service Provider) and EMSP (E-Mobility Service Provider) are essentially interchangeable terms that refer to the commercial operator that offers the service to end users via apps or cards. In summary: the CPO builds and maintains the charging stations, while MSP/EMSP manage customer relations and payments without necessarily owning their own infrastructure.

How do CPOs and MSPs/EMSPs work together to let me charge?
When you charge using an MSP/EMSP app at a charging station operated by a different CPO, there is an automatic exchange of data in real time between the two operators. The MSP/EMSP authorizes your session and charges you according to its own rates, while the CPO supplies the energy and receives compensation from the MSP/EMSP for the use of the infrastructure. This interoperability is made possible by standard protocols such as OCPP and OCPI, which enable communication between different systems, creating a seamless experience for you as you can access thousands of charging stations with a single app.

How do I choose between one MSP/EMSP and another for recharging?
Consider four main aspects: the geographical coverage of the network accessible through roaming agreements (how many charging stations and where they are located), the rates applied and their transparency, the quality of the app with features such as station location and trip planning, and the customer support offered. Also consider whether the provider operates as an integrated CPO and MSP/EMSP, which can ensure greater control over service quality. Always check interoperability with other networks so you are not limited, especially during long trips in areas served by different CPOs.

About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy