The term EMSP (Electric Mobility Service Provider), often interchangeably used with EMP (Electric Mobility Provider) or CSO (Charging Service Operator), denotes the primary entity delivering digital and commercial services to Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers. Unlike the CPO, who manages the physical infrastructure (the charging stations), the EMSP functions as a service aggregator and access facilitator.
Their central role is to ensure a straightforward and transparent end-user experience, particularly vital for roaming charging. The EMSP offers a unified platform (typically a mobile application or an RFID card) that allows users to locate available charging stations across diverse networks, initiate charging sessions, and process payments through a centralized system. Billing management is a core component, where the EMSP consolidates charging costs from various charging points and presents a single invoice to the user. To achieve this interoperability, the EMSP relies on standardized protocols such as OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) to communicate with CPOs. While EMSPs historically focus on specific charging services (location, payment, pricing), EMP is occasionally used to describe a broader scope, including comprehensive mobility offerings that extend beyond simple charging station aggregation (e.g., subscription packages combining EV purchase, home charger installation, or tailored solutions for commercial fleets).
In essence, these players are fundamental to the advancement of electric mobility as they simplify network complexities for drivers, thereby promoting widespread EV adoption.