Ubitricity and Deftpower launch interoperable smart charging with OCPI 2.2.1 Charging Profiles across 1,500 public charge points

This rollout comes as the Netherlands faces mounting constraints on its electricity grid, with new connections for EV charging increasingly hard to secure. By bringing more cars into scope to shift their charging from peak to off-peak times, interoperable smart charging offers a timely way to ease that pressure.

“We are always looking for new ways to support our customers. Through this partnership with Deftpower, we now offer an easy smart charging experience to more drivers across our Dutch network. They can earn cashback through their chosen app for shifting charging to off-peak times, saving them money while contributing to a more stable grid” said Alexander Reinhardt, CEO at Ubitricity.

OCPI 2.2.1 Charging Profiles represent a significant advance in how smart charging is delivered on public infrastructure. Until now, it largely depended on a direct API connection between the vehicle and the mobility service provider (MSP) app to control sessions. Charging Profiles change that: the MSP sends optimised schedules based on driver preferences directly to the charge point for execution with no vehicle API required, while the charge point operator (CPO) retains full control over the sessions on their infrastructure.

"With OCPI 2.2.1 Charging Profiles we have unlocked a new level of scale for public smart charging," said Jacob van Zonneveld, CEO at Deftpower. "Our data shows that 65% of the people who adopt smart charging have it activated by default, so we know that adoption is durable. This translates into higher utilisation for CPOs and greater flexibility for the energy system."

The partnership between Ubitricity and Deftpower, now scaling up following an initial pilot of over 400 charge points, shows what close MSP-CPO coordination delivers: a grid-aware charging experience that benefits drivers, network operators and the energy system alike. By bringing more vehicles into scope, OCPI 2.2.1 unlocks flexibility from a wider pool of EV drivers, which will play an increasingly important role in easing congestion as EV adoption grows.

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About Ubitricity:

Ubitricity is a leading provider and operator of public EV charging. Focusing on creating user-oriented charging networks, Ubitricity offers AC lamppost, AC fast and DC rapid charging stations. The company operates more than 20,000 charging points within the Shell Recharge network across the Netherlands, the UK, Germany and France. Ubitricity is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Shell Group.

About Deftpower:

Deftpower designs and develops the technology behind Europe’s leading EV charging services, enabling e-mobility service providers to unlock EV flexibility and deliver a frictionless charging experience across public and home environments.

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