ChargePoint has announced ChargePoint Omni Port, an electric vehicle (EV) connector that ensures any EV can charge in any parking space, regardless of its connector type, without an additional cable.

More than 5.5 million EVs are on North American roads, more than half of which are equipped with J1772 or CCS1 charging ports, according to ChargePoint.

Omni Port eliminates the need to carry an adapter for drivers, negates dedicating parking spaces exclusively for a select connector type, and is available at no extra cost as a standard feature of ChargePoint's applicable chargers, making it ideal for fleets that will be operating in a multiple charging connector environment.

The connector provides access to AC and DC charging, allowing drivers of all EV vehicles to charge at the same station by combining the most common connector types into each charging port.

"With Omni Port, ChargePoint solved the challenges associated with a multiple connector environment, ensuring Tesla and non-Tesla drivers can continue to expect a world-class driver experience. We are giving drivers and site hosts assurance that ChargePoint will continue to meet all their charging needs now and in the future," Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, said.

Exploring Omni Port's Adaptable EV Charging and Compatibility

Omni Port is built into ChargePoint AC and DC charging architecture featuring cable management that reaches a charge port regardless of its location on the vehicle. Additionally, Omni Port enables full support for vehicles with 800V architecture to produce maximum charging speeds for sustained periods.

Omni Port public charging ports are designed to support vehicles already on the road and EVs coming to market. Drivers can expect a digitally supported charging experience when using Omni Port by entering their vehicle's make and model into the ChargePoint app, tapping to charge, and allowing the charging station to release the correct connector type automatically. For fleets and drivers who do not use the ChargePoint app, a driver would select the proper connector on the charger screen.  

Although fleets have multiple payment options available when using public charging, there is no need to download any dedicated app for credit card payments when using Omni Port.

"[Fleets] can choose to tap to charge just as a typical EV driver would do or opt for a more integrated solution that streamlines backend operations and increases a fleet operator's visibility and control. ChargePoint software also integrates with leading fuel card providers like WEX to enable seamless charging for fleets, delivering a single payment solution for an entire fleet," AJ Gosselin, Director of Corporate Communications at ChargePoint, said. 

In addition to the availability of new chargers, Omni Port will begin shipping by the end of the year and can be retrofitted onto ChargePoint CP6000 and Express Plus Power Link 2000 models. ChargePoint allows station owners to upgrade instead of replacing their chargers, swapping minimal components as quickly as possible.