Innovative EV charging network ChargePoint is expanding the availability of its modular Omni Port EV charger to its customers. While pre-fitted new chargers continue to roll out across the US, ChargePoint has introduced a new conversion kit version of the universal charging technology, giving older stations more modern compatibility.
If you’ve ever owned, leased, or rented an EV in the US, chances are you’ve encountered a ChargePoint ($CHPT) station or port during your travels. The company estimates that it currently holds a 60%+ market share of public AC charging ports in North America and continues to introduce new strategies and technologies to keep that EV network humming.
For example, ChargePoint began implementing AI to monitor and report EV charger issues so they could be addressed more quickly, reducing downtime. Last month, the company announced a new charger checkup program called “Safeguard Care” to maintain and clean stations before any issues arise.
On the tech side of things, ChargePoint has introduced faster V2X level 2 chargers and anti-theft and anti-vandalization charger cables. However, ChargePoint’s most interesting innovation of the past year is its Omni Port EV Charger plug, which combines J1772 and NACS ports into one while maintaining the capabilities for CCS1 DC fast charging where available.
It’s been just over a year since the Omni Port was unveiled. While new EV chargers donning the tech continue to roll out, ChargePoint has introduced an additional solution to update older, existing stations.
ChargePoint’s conversion kit can update older EV chargers
ChargePoint shared details of its new “Omni Port adaptable charging solution,” designed to bring modern updates to existing EV chargers. The new conversion kit will roll out alongside production of the charging network’s pre-fitted Omni Port Level 2 chargers to further ensure more customers can charge in any space, with any connector (aside from CHAdeMO), regardless of make and model.
ChargePoint hopes the addition of the conversion kit will enable it to bolster its existing EV charger network by providing a solution to the connector issue. Many existing BEVs still utilize J1772 plugs while the entire industry slowly transitions to the North American Charging Standard (NACS). ChargePoint’s CTO of Hardware, Hossein Kazemi, elaborated:
As many automakers shift toward the NACS charging port, charging providers need to serve all of their customers – regardless of their vehicle’s connector type. Omni Port enables customers to future proof their charging infrastructure and eliminates the hassle of dedicating parking spaces to a specific connector type. For EV drivers, it ensures they will encounter the connector type they need to charge at any Omni Port location.
As we explained when the Omni Port debuted last summer, the charging process is seamless. EV drivers register their vehicle in the ChargePoint app and tap to charge, and the station automatically releases the correct connector type.
At the time, ChargePoint also pointed out that the modular design of its EV chargers would allow station owners to upgrade to new technology like the Omni Port, which debuted as being “future-ready.” With the addition of the conversion kit, station owners do not need to replace their EV chargers entirely and instead can swap a minimal amount of components quickly and affordably—all while upgrading to the most up-to-date universal charging technology.
There is no word yet on when the conversion kits will start rolling out, but this could provide a huge technological boost to ChargePoint’s existing EV charger networks, which are already one of the most prominent in North America. We love to see it.
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