Top Features Every EMSP App Should Have

Key Takeaways

• Outperform competitors by developing an EMSP app with a full suite of essential user-focused features.
• Build a successful EMSP app by including functions like real-time station finding, easy payments, and broad network access.
• Empower electric vehicle drivers by providing a smooth, reliable, and simple charging experience through your application.
• Discover how features like EV roaming allow users to charge across different networks with a single app.

These platforms are the digital bridge between EV drivers, charging station operators, and the grid — enabling smooth access to services across the e-mobility ecosystem.But what separates a great EMSP app from an average one? Whether you’re building a white-label solution or a custom product, there are key features your platform needs to succeed.

Let’s explore the top must-have features of EMSP apps — and how partnering with an experienced EMSP application development company helps bring them to life.

1. Real-Time Charging Station Locator

An EMSP app should offer an interactive map that allows users to find nearby charging stations in real time. Key functionalities include:

• Filter by connector type, speed, and availability
  
• Show estimated waiting times or occupancy
  
• Integration with Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, or HERE APIs
  
• Support for planned routes with charging stops
  

The locator is often the first touchpoint, so accuracy and speed are critical.

2. Seamless Session Initiation

Users should be able to start a charging session effortlessly. Your app should support:

• QR code or NFC-based activation
  
• RFID card pairing
  
• Plug & Charge (ISO 15118) compatibility
  
• Remote start/stop for smart charging
  

Streamlining this process reduces friction and builds user trust.

3. Integrated Payments and Billing

A key differentiator in EMSP apps is flexible, secure payment processing. Look for features such as:

• Support for one-time payments, subscriptions, or prepaid wallets
  
• Multi-currency and multi-gateway integration (Stripe, Adyen, PayPal)
  
• Corporate accounts with shared billing
  
• Real-time billing transparency (kWh, pricing model, taxes)
  

Reliable payment workflows are essential for user retention and monetization.

4. EV Roaming Capabilities

Roaming allows drivers to charge across networks without juggling multiple apps. This requires:

• OCPI protocol support (e.g., 2.2.1 version)
  
• Cross-platform authentication and session synchronization
  
• Shared tariff information and unified billing
  
• Dynamic updates of partner network availability

With the right EMSP backend, roaming becomes seamless and scalable.

5. Smart Notifications & Session Updates

Push notifications keep users informed throughout the charging journey:

• Charging started/stopped alerts
  
• Price updates or surge notifications
  
• Session summary with location, time, and cost
  
• Reminders for unplugging to avoid idle fees
  

These enhance user control and create transparency.

6. Fleet & Admin Management Tools

B2B-facing EMSP platforms must include role-based access and analytics dashboards:

• Fleet-level charging stats per vehicle or driver
  
• Energy cost breakdowns and optimization insights
  
• Remote control of chargers and health monitoring
  
• Report generation for operations or compliance
  

This is essential for logistics, car-sharing, and delivery services managing EV fleets.

7. Energy Management & Grid Integration

Modern EMSP apps increasingly connect to the smart grid. Important features include:

• Dynamic load balancing to avoid peak demand
  
• Prioritization of green energy sources
  
• Demand response compatibility
  
• Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication
  

These capabilities align your app with sustainability goals and grid stability needs.

8. Multi-Brand and White-Label Support

If your EMSP solution targets different markets or partners, you’ll need:

• Branding flexibility per region or client
  
• Language and currency localization
  
• Custom themes and UI configurations
  
• Modular architecture for selective feature rollout
  

This makes your app adaptable and partner-ready.

9. Compliance and Security by Design

Trust is non-negotiable. Your EMSP app must meet:

• GDPR and ISO 27001 requirements
  
• End-to-end encryption for personal and financial data
  
• Secure APIs and encrypted communication (TLS, OAuth 2.0)
  
• Regular vulnerability testing and updates
  

This is especially crucial when handling billing, location, and energy data.

10. Real-Time Analytics & Reporting

For operators and internal teams, robust analytics offer deep insights:

• Session-level data: duration, consumption, cost
  
• Hardware uptime and maintenance flags
  
• User heatmaps and usage trends
  
• Predictive alerts based on machine learning
  

Data is the foundation for scaling intelligently and optimizing service delivery.

Build Your EMSP App with Confidence

A feature-rich EMSP application isn’t just about checkboxes — it’s about creating a reliable, user-friendly, and interoperable product that keeps drivers connected and businesses efficient.

That’s where a specialized EMSP application development company like Stormotion comes in. With expertise in OCPP, OCPI, payment integrations, and custom UX, we help companies across Europe and North America bring their e-mobility platforms to life.

Ready to power the future of EV charging? Let’s build it — together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an EMSP application, and why is it important for electric vehicle drivers?

An EMSP application is a digital tool that connects electric vehicle drivers with charging stations, making it easier to find and use them. These apps are important because they simplify the charging process, manage payments, and provide real-time information, helping drivers feel more confident about using their EVs.

How does a real-time charging station locator benefit EV users?

A real-time locator shows EV users exactly where available charging stations are, along with details like connector type and charging speed. This feature saves drivers time and reduces anxiety about finding a charge, especially on longer trips or in unfamiliar areas, making EV ownership more practical.

Many EV drivers find starting a charge complicated; how do good EMSP apps solve this?

Good EMSP apps make starting a charge very simple by supporting methods like scanning a QR code, using an RFID card, or even “Plug & Charge” where the car communicates directly with the charger. This focus on ease of use helps remove a common frustration for EV owners and encourages wider adoption of electric mobility.

Can EMSP applications assist businesses that operate fleets of electric vehicles?

Yes, EMSP apps can offer powerful tools for businesses, allowing fleet managers to track charging for multiple vehicles, monitor energy costs, and even remotely manage charging sessions. These features help businesses optimize their EV fleet operations and control expenses effectively, contributing to more efficient logistics.

Is it a myth that I need multiple apps to charge my EV if I use different charging networks?

While this was a common issue, it’s becoming less so thanks to EV roaming features in modern EMSP apps, often enabled by protocols like OCPI. Roaming allows you to use one app to access and pay for charging across various networks, much like how your mobile phone roams on different carrier networks when you travel.

If I’m building an EMSP app, what’s one practical security step I must take?

A critical step is to ensure all communication, especially for payments and personal data, uses strong end-to-end encryption, such as TLS, and secure APIs with methods like OAuth 2.0. Regularly testing your app for security weaknesses and adhering to standards like GDPR is also a practical way to protect user information and build trust.

How do EMSP apps contribute to overall energy system efficiency?

Advanced EMSP apps can integrate with the smart grid to manage charging times, helping to avoid peak electricity demand and prioritize renewable energy sources. Some even support vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication, allowing EVs to potentially send power back to the grid when needed, enhancing overall stability and sustainability.

What does “OCPI support” mean for someone using an EMSP app?

OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) is a communication standard that allows different charging station networks and service providers to share information seamlessly. For an app user, this means they can access a wider range of charging stations from various operators through a single application, significantly improving convenience and network coverage.

If a business wants its own branded app for EV charging services, how is this achieved?

This is often achieved through “white-label support” in an EMSP platform, which allows for multi-brand capabilities. This feature enables a company to customize the app with its own branding, colors, and specific features, offering a tailored experience to its customers while using a proven underlying technology platform.

How can the data collected by an EMSP app improve the charging experience for users?

Data on charging session duration, station usage frequency, and even hardware maintenance flags helps operators understand user behavior and identify operational issues. This information can be used to optimize station placement, perform timely maintenance, and even predict busy times using machine learning, leading to a more reliable and efficient service for all EV drivers.