Arcora

One app, any charger, every network.

Arcora works because charging runs on an open standard. Each network keeps its own system, and Arcora gives drivers a single way in.

Who does what

Three parties take part in every charge. Arcora is never between your car and the power.

  1. Arcora app

    On the driver’s phone

    Finds chargers, starts and stops sessions, shows live cost and receipts.

    Arcora operator API over HTTPS

  2. Operator backend

    Run by each network

    Serves the Arcora operator API and decides what each charger does.

    OCPP over WebSocket

  3. Charger

    Any OCPP hardware

    Switches the power, reports its status and meter readings.

Arcora itself holds the driver's account, saved cards (stored by Stripe) and the list of networks. It never talks to a charger directly.

A charging session

  1. 1You scan the QR codeThe code holds the network’s operator ID and the charger’s 6-digit code, so the app knows which network to ask.
  2. 2The app asks that networkArcora sends the start request to the network’s own backend, with your signed-in identity and the card you saved.
  3. 3The backend tells the chargerOver OCPP it sends a remote start. The charger checks the plug and switches on the power.
  4. 4The charger reports backMeter readings (energy, power, battery level) flow back over OCPP. The app refreshes cost and kWh every 2 seconds.
  5. 5You stop from your phoneA remote stop goes the same way. The charger confirms the final reading and your receipt is ready.

OCPP

The Open Charge Point Protocol is a free, open standard published by the Open Charge Alliance. It defines how a charger talks to the system that manages it: starting and stopping power, reporting status, sending meter readings and authorizing drivers.

Most commercial charger makers implement it, so a network can mix hardware brands and change software without replacing chargers. That's why Arcora can work with any network: it needs each network's backend, not a deal with every charger maker.

VersionReleasedWith Arcora
1.6J2015Still the most widely deployed version. Covered by the operator kit.
2.0.12020International standard IEC 63584 since 2024. Covered by the operator kit.
2.12025Newest release. Not in the operator kit yet.

Networks own their backend

Most charging apps tie a network to one vendor’s software and fees. With Arcora, the network runs its own OCPP backend and adds one small API for the app. The data, the pricing and the hardware stay theirs.