Open mobility APIs are standardized or publicly documented application programming interfaces (APIs) that let mobility services share data and functions with other systems. In e-mobility and EV charging, open mobility APIs enable chargers, Charge Point Management Systems (CPMS), roaming platforms, fleet tools, apps, and city mobility platforms to exchange information such as charger locations, availability, tariffs, session data, and user authentication in a consistent, integration-friendly way.
What Are Open Mobility APIs?
Open mobility APIs define how different mobility services communicate digitally.
– Provide structured endpoints to read or write mobility data (availability, pricing, sessions, assets)
– Make integrations possible without custom one-off development for every partner
– Support third-party applications such as navigation apps, fleet platforms, and city dashboards
– Can be industry standards or well-documented public APIs offered by operators and platforms
In EV charging, open APIs often complement protocols like OCPP by exposing data to external applications beyond the charger-to-backend connection.
Why Open Mobility APIs Matter in EV Charging
EV charging ecosystems involve multiple stakeholders that need real-time data.
– Helps drivers find available chargers and see accurate tariffs before arriving
– Enables roaming and partner access across multiple networks
– Supports fleet operations by linking vehicle scheduling with charger status and energy use
– Improves reporting for utilisation, reliability, and sustainability KPIs
– Reduces vendor lock-in by making charger network data portable and reusable
For CPOs and site owners, open APIs can increase visibility in mobility apps and unlock higher charger utilisation.
How Open Mobility APIs Work
Open mobility APIs typically follow common web API patterns.
– Systems expose endpoints over HTTPS with documented request/response formats
– Authentication is handled through API keys, tokens, or partner credentials
– Data is returned in structured formats (often JSON)
– Updates may be delivered through polling or event/webhook mechanisms
In EV charging operations, open APIs can cover:
– Charger directory and geolocation listings
– Live status (available, occupied, out of service)
– Tariffs, pricing rules, and access restrictions
– Session records, energy delivered (kWh), and timestamps
– Driver or fleet identifiers for reporting and chargeback workflows
Typical Use Cases
– Publishing charger locations and availability to mapping and navigation apps
– Enabling roaming and partner discovery across networks
– Integrating charging data into fleet dashboards and depot planning tools
– Connecting charging activity to finance systems for cost allocation and invoicing
– Supporting smart city mobility platforms that combine EV charging with parking and public transport data
– Building customer portals that show session history, receipts, and charging analytics
Key Benefits of Open Mobility APIs
– Faster partner integrations and reduced development effort
– Better user experience through accurate availability and pricing information
– Higher operational efficiency through automated data exchange
– Stronger analytics by combining charging data with fleet, parking, and energy datasets
– Improved scalability across multi-site and multi-market deployments
Limitations to Consider
– “Open API” does not guarantee standardization; coverage and data models can vary
– Data quality issues (stale status, missing tariffs) can harm user trust and utilisation
– Security and privacy controls are essential when exposing session and user data
– Rate limits and uptime of API services affect third-party reliability
– Some integrations still require alignment on business rules (roaming settlement, pricing logic, identifiers)
Related Glossary Terms
OCPP
Charge Point Management System (CPMS)
Roaming
Charging Station Locator
Charging Tariffs
Charging Session
Fleet Dashboards
Charging Revenue Analytics