OpConnect

The Opportunity: A New Network for Transportation

The future of electric vehicles wasn’t always assured. In 2008, with automaker investment still uncertain and charging networks scarce, Portland-based OpConnect set out to build the infrastructure that EV adoption would require.

Their turnkey charging systems can be installed at apartments, offices, hotels, dealerships, parking garages, and more, giving property owners an easy way to offer EV charging as a service. Today, OpConnect stations can be found nationwide, from Hawaii to New York.

With EVs projected to grow to nearly 30 million on US roads by 2030, charging infrastructure must scale rapidly. OpConnect makes that possible by combining simple installation with remote management, integrated payment, and advanced energy optimization.

The Solution: Plug-and-Play Charging, Fully Cloud-Connected

OpConnect’s latest plug-and-play charging stations can be installed by any licensed electrician, avoiding costly manufacturer commissioning. Once installed, every station is fully connected to the cloud, enabling:

• Remote monitoring & troubleshooting to minimize service costs.
• Integrated payments & advertising to support cost recovery.
• Data insights into usage patterns, energy consumption, and emissions avoided.
• Customer convenience features like app-based reservations.

These connected features give property owners a seamless way to deploy charging stations and ensure EV drivers have access to reliable infrastructure wherever they go.

Why Soracom: Higher Security, Higher Value

As OpConnect prepared to roll out its next generation of OCPP-enabled chargers, connectivity became a critical focus. Stations needed to work reliably everywhere, with minimal service cost.

In early testing, Soracom proved ideal. With pooled billing and automatic volume discounts, OpConnect cut its monthly data costs by 60–70% without any reduction in performance.

Soracom also enhanced security. Using Soracom Napter, the team can enable secure, on-demand access to any charger without requiring fixed IPs or VPNs. Chargers remain invisible to the wider internet but available when needed.

The Future: Scaling to Meet Surging Demand

With major automakers like Ford and VW now rolling out electric models across every vehicle category, EV adoption is accelerating. By 2025, nearly 10% of US vehicles could be electric or hybrid electric.

To meet this demand, OpConnect will continue expanding its nationwide charging network, offering stations that are technically advanced, easy to deploy, affordable to maintain, and built with cost recovery from day one.