The verdict in three sentences
For an operator with 900 charge points, an off-the-shelf CSMS billed at €1 to €4 per point per month is almost always cheaper than in-house software over the first three years. Custom software, a 2026 ballpark of €80,000 to €180,000 over 6 to 9 months, becomes rational when the network exceeds 2,000 to 3,000 points or when your model (fleets, housing cooperatives, dynamic pricing) does not fit vendor products. The most common path in Oslo: keep a standard CSMS compliant with OCPP 2.0.1 and OCPI, and build custom only the business layer that sets you apart.
Off-the-shelf CSMS or in-house build
The CSMS (Charge Station Management System) controls chargers through OCPP and handles RFID tags, monitoring and billing. The choice depends on network size, roadmap and control over your data.
| Criterion | SaaS CSMS | Custom build | Hybrid (CSMS + business layer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | €0 to €15,000 integration | €80,000 to €180,000 | €30,000 to €70,000 |
| Recurring cost for 900 points | €900 to €3,600/month | 15 to 20% of build per year | €900 to €3,600/month + maintenance |
| Time to go live | 4 to 8 weeks | 6 to 9 months | 3 to 5 months |
| OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1 | Included, OCA certified at major vendors | To be built and tested | Included |
| OCPI roaming | Ready connectors (Hubject, Gireve) | 2 to 3 months of work | Included |
| Business customization | Limited to vendor roadmap | Full | Strong on the business layer |
| Data ownership | Contractual, export to negotiate | Full | Full on the business layer |
Sensitive points in Norway in 2026: the Norwegian charging consumer rules requiring ad hoc payment and clear kWh pricing, interoperability through OCPI roaming, and the European AFIR regulation, applied through the EEA, requiring card payment on new fast chargers above 50 kW.
Modules and their budget weight
If you go custom or build a business layer, here are the typical modules and their share of the budget.
| Module | Key features | 2026 ballpark (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| OCPP server | 1.6J and 2.0.1 connections, firmware updates, remote commands | 20,000 to 45,000 |
| Monitoring | Network map, fault alerts, uptime rate, maintenance tickets | 12,000 to 30,000 |
| Tags and users | RFID, mobile app, corporate fleets | 10,000 to 25,000 |
| Pricing and billing | Per kWh and per minute pricing, idle fees, B2B invoices | 15,000 to 35,000 |
| OCPI 2.2.1 roaming | CDR, tariff and location exchange with hubs | 10,000 to 25,000 |
| Reporting and data | Energy dashboards, exports for Enova grant reporting | 8,000 to 20,000 |
| Total | 80,000 to 180,000 |
The OCPP server is the riskiest module: each manufacturer interprets the standard its own way. Plan a test bench with at least one model from each brand in your network, otherwise production incidents will eat your maintenance budget.
Mini case study
Ingrid, CEO of an operator running 900 charge points in Oslo, plans 2,500 points within 3 years. She compares two paths over 3 years:
- SaaS CSMS at €3 per point per month: 900 points in year one (€32,400), 1,700 in year two (€61,200), 2,500 in year three (€90,000), totaling €183,600.
- Custom build: €130,000 of development and €25,000 per year for maintenance and hosting, totaling €205,000 over 3 years.
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At 2,500 points, SaaS costs €90,000 per year versus €25,000 for custom: the in-house build pays off during year four. Technical risk and the 6 to 9 month delay still push Ingrid toward the hybrid: a standard CSMS for OCPP and OCPI, and a €50,000 business layer for fleet billing, her real differentiator.
FAQ
OCPP 1.6 or 2.0.1: which should you require?
Most of the installed base still runs OCPP 1.6J, but 2.0.1 brings finer security management and smart charging. Require both, and OCA certification if the vendor claims it.
Is OCPI roaming essential?
For a public network, yes: a significant share of sessions comes from third-party mobility providers. Plan 2 to 3 months to build it custom, versus a few weeks with an already connected CSMS.
How do you negotiate a SaaS CSMS at 900 points?
Public price lists often start around €3 to €4 per point, but volumes above 500 points are frequently negotiated down to €1 to €2. Require a clause for full export of data and CDRs.
How much does maintaining an in-house CSMS cost?
Plan 15 to 20% of the development cost per year, i.e. €12,000 to €36,000 for an €80,000 to €180,000 build. Each new charger model needs a few days of testing.
Can Kolonell build the business layer?
Yes, our custom applications range from 2.5M to 15M+ FCFA depending on complexity, about €3,810 to €22,870 and up. A fleet billing module usually falls into the complex tier.
Let's scope your project. Share your network size, charger brands and target business features: we will price the hybrid or custom option with a realistic timeline. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
