Rezzo chargers now accessible to millions of drivers via ChargeHub integration

Cloudics is thrilled to announce a collaboration between ChargeHub, the leading EV roaming hub in North America, and Rezzo, a white-labelled platform powered by Cloudics technology serving Canada and North America.

Through this collaboration, all Rezzo EV chargers are now integrated into ChargeHub’s Passport roaming hub, enhancing accessibility and encouraging greater use of Rezzo charging stations.

This partnership also opens up the Rezzo charging network to e-mobility service providers (eMSPs), expanding their range of available charging options.

Over 1 000 000 EV drivers can now easily access Rezzo chargers

Rezzo’s charging network is now fully integrated with ChargeHub’s roaming platform, which includes more than 120,000 charging stations across the region.

ChargeHub’s extensive network, with over 150 roaming connections, covers over two-thirds of CCS and J1772/Type 1 chargers in the U.S. and Canada, which means the chargers are now accessible to over one million ChargeHub users and countless eMSPs.

At Cloudics, we are committed to simplifying the EV charging experience

“Partnering with ChargeHub has enabled us to enhance accessibility for millions of EV drivers while supporting charge point operators (CPOs) with greater visibility, simplified payment process and increased operational efficiency,” says Triin Tobi, Head of EV Charging at Cloudics.

Offering charging possibilities in all regions through one payment platform makes driving an EV a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The integration eliminates the need for EV drivers to manage multiple apps.

Chargers on the Rezzo network can now be accessed, and sessions can be paid for using familiar processes available through the ChargeHub native app or eMSP partner applications, streamlining the charging experience.

Empowering Charge Point Operators (CPOs)

ChargeHub, North America’s leading EV roaming hub, continues to set the benchmark for coverage and reliability.

“We’re thrilled to offer enhanced visibility to all CPOs utilizing the Rezzo platform,” said Keven Fortin-Simard, Managing Director of Rezzo. “This partnership not only improves charger utilization but also opens new revenue streams for operators, ultimately benefiting drivers and the entire e-mobility sector.”

By combining the strengths of ChargeHub’s extensive network and Rezzo’s innovative platform, the partnership paves the way for a more connected, efficient, and user-centric EV charging experience.

Keven added, “We’re excited to take energy stations to the next level, integrating new possibilities that will shape a brighter future for EV charging.”

About Rezzo, Powered by Cloudics

Cloudics is committed to transforming energy station operations, increasing retailers’ profitability, and making payments as convenient as possible for customers worldwide. Launched in 2021 as a white-label platform powered by Cloudics, Rezzo brings innovative cloud-based solutions to energy stations across Canada. In a remarkably short time, Rezzo has gained traction in the market, earning the trust of Canadian retailers.

Learn more about Cloudics EV platform here or set up a demo here.

Astro Baltics partners with Musaned to revolutionize fuel retail in Saudi Arabia with Cloudics

Astro Baltics, a leader in innovative technology solutions for fuel and energy retail, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with Musaned Information Technology, a prominent services provider for major retailers in the Saudi Arabian fuel market.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone: Musaned will become the exclusive distributor of Astro Baltics’ cutting-edge Cloudics product portfolio to fuel retailers across Saudi Arabia.

Driving technological advancement

Cloudics, renowned for its forward-thinking and advanced innovation, offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to transform the fuel retail industry. From seamless payment systems to real-time data analytics and efficient fuel management, Cloudics empowers retailers with the tools they need to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

“We are excited to partner with Musaned and bring our Cloudics solutions to the dynamic and rapidly growing Saudi Arabian market,” said Taimar Kallari, CEO of Astro Baltics. “This partnership aligns with our vision of driving technological advancement in the fuel retail sector and supporting our clients in achieving new heights of success.”

Meeting the industry’s evolving needs

Saudi Arabia’s fuel retail market is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing demand and a strong focus on modernisation and innovation as part of the Saudi government’s initiatives to open the kingdom to foreign tourism and investment. Astro Baltics and Musaned’s collaboration is set to capitalize on this potential, offering fuel retailers state-of-the-art technology that meets the industry’s evolving needs.

“We are proud to join forces with Astro Baltics and introduce the Cloudics product portfolio to our market,” said Essam Ossabi, CEO of Musaned. “This partnership will enable us to provide our clients with unparalleled solutions that enhance their operations and deliver exceptional value.”

Fostering a long-lasting partnership

Astro Baltics and Musaned are committed to fostering a successful and long-lasting partnership, leveraging their combined expertise to drive innovation and growth in Saudi Arabia’s fuel retail sector.

“Our vision has always been to leverage best-in-class partners to join the Cloudics family,” said Gary Szendzielarz, International Business Development Director, Astro Baltics. “To sign a partner like Musaned, to take us into one of the few regions actively investing in our core industry, is a major win for our business and the region. It is one more nod of approval to what is single-handedly the most innovative platform in this industry.”

Fulfilling a global vision

“Our expansion into international markets is a testament to our dedication to bringing Astro Baltics and Cloudics to a worldwide audience,” stated Rivo Rahuoja, Head of Marketing at Astro Baltics.

“Entering markets such as Canada, Georgia, the UK, and Saudi Arabia, with upcoming launches in Scandinavia and Germany, reinforces our ambition. The industry is recognizing Cloudics as a pioneering, future-ready solution.”

Give the customer a reason to visit your energy station

Each week brings a fresh perspective on where our industry is heading. The predictions are endless, from the game-changing potential of solid-state batteries to the emergence of new fuels that could replace petrol and the role of HVO as a temporary fix. But when we speak with retailers, the message is consistent: ”We need to figure out how to serve everyone.”

Last-mile delivery is now moving to alternative fuels, trucks are going electric, and your standard everyday EV customer is calculating their kilometres to understand where they can go without running out of juice.

So, they are looking for a reason to visit you – let’s give them one.

Dedicated EV charging spaces paired with frictionless payments

Access to home charging or installing a personal charger is a luxury not available to everyone. Moreover, purchasing a brand-new car remains out of reach for many. Fast charging will be essential, and the few chargers available in supermarket parking lots won’t be enough.

At Cloudics, we believe that the future of energy stations lies in providing dedicated areas equipped with high-speed chargers, comfortable convenience zones, and additional parking spaces, all thoughtfully positioned alongside traditional refuelling stations to meet diverse customer needs and encourage engagement with other profit areas.

Link services to create profit-generating opportunities

On its own, EV charging often results in losses. However, when you link it with a range of other services, you create profit opportunities. You might think you’ve already experimented with this by offering food and beverages, only to find drivers in their cars, glued to Netflix.

The problem isn’t the idea—it’s the execution.

When using a third-party charger managed by an external CPO app, it probably wasn’t fully integrated into your business. Chargers could be located inconveniently far from your store, or the overall customer journey might not provide enough reasons for them to engage with your additional value-added services.

Dedicated spaces require dedicated payment options

To deliver a nearly perfect experience, retailers must provide multiple payment methods aligning with various customer journeys and preferences.

The challenge? Each customer has a unique journey. The key to driving profitability is connecting services on a single platform, enabling control over the customer experience. This is why a connected retail infrastructure is essential—one that offers flexible payment options and allows customers to switch seamlessly between them.

Meeting the needs of modern customer journeys

Picture a customer approaching an EV charging hub or highway energy station. Maybe they’re seeking a drive-in experience, complete with an app-ordered meal. Or perhaps they’re just looking for a quick charge and need an easy credit card payment via the eOPT.

For those in a hurry, the option to skip the line at a self-service checkout or grab a quick coffee, whether through a subscription or as a loyalty reward, can make all the difference.

The focus isn’t on technology but on meeting the needs of every customer journey with the highest level of service. At its core, these are just the tools that enable us to gain deep insights into customer preferences and behaviours.

The question is how to ensure operations are open and adaptive enough to serve everyone effectively?

Cloudics – Opening up the future

The Cloudics platform is designed with the entire retail experience in mind, covering everything from multi-fuel energy stations to shopping, unlocking a world of possibilities.

Today, you can integrate a wide range of services, transforming your energy station into a convenient hub for your community.

These services include everything from mobile-based trailer rentals and smart locker gas-bottle exchanges to food ordering and subscriptions.

With Cloudics, you can deliver frictionless shopping, convert non-IoT devices into mobile-enabled assets, automate on-site accommodation for long-distance drivers, and much more.

Here’s why you should be concerned about QR codes

QR codes are fiddly, need the right light, and can be damaged easily. QR payments on pumps or chargers seem like a good thing until someone gets bored while fuelling or charging and thinks it is funny to peel them off.

Transforming Fuel Stations into Energy Hubs with Cloudics

While big energy retailers can afford to trial and error new innovations and shifts to business operations, small and medium retailers struggle to make ends meet with changing fuel margin dynamics in an ever-changing world. Cloudics aims to resolve those challenges without investing in new on-site technology.

The Cloudics platform enables retailers to turn out-of-date fuel stations into holistic energy hubs at a pace of their choosing.

By integrating operations across self-service convenience, EV charging, fuelling, and car wash services into a central cloud-based platform, retailers can select how they wish to adapt their business to changing demands.

Thanks to Cloudics, we can convert legacy equipment into cloud-driven IoT devices. This means your customer reach and upsell options grow exponentially, but it also prolongs the lifespan of legacy equipment.

At Uniti Expo 2024 in Hall 5, Booth D61, we are excited to demonstrate how our software and hardware solutions contribute to a connected energy station ecosystem.

Central to energy stations, convenience retail demands reliable 24/7 operations

A lot has been said about frictionless technologies for hopping, and whilst retailers are looking at ways to simplify this business and relieve staffing issues, we are all aware of the news around just-walkout technologies and their failures.

Cloudics shopping is going back to the root of the problem to help enable unmanned operations or 24/7 operations during off-peak hours.

Our frictionless entry/exit solution is already in use today, but rather than using the expense and unproven AI technologies to track sales, we leverage self-checkout or mobile scan and pay.

In addition, with our new radar-based security, we can track customer behaviour in-store and warn retailers to check camera systems for spurious behaviour.

World-first established Cloud FCC

Our innovative cloud-based forecourt controller already empowers fuel retailers to effortlessly connect station equipment and devices to the cloud.

It has been in use for over five years and is still going strong. With the constant addition of new dispensers, our solution is ready to go for markets worldwide, and we are now entering new markets in Asia.

With Cloudics FCC, all the forecourt equipment (dispensers, wetstock, price displays, car wash—all become IoT devices) can be managed from the cloud, enabling instant access to control and manage all your station devices remotely without being on-site.

Cloud-based Forecourt Controller reduces operational costs by a huge margin, centralising control and management of the forecourt in a way that cannot be achieved with a physical device. It also simplifies fuel bunkering, keeping a real-time view of B2B tanks and containers at non-public locations.

Charging into the future

In response to the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, we proudly present our newly developed eOPT specifically for EV charging.

It has been integrated with our all-in-one mobile payment app and a versatile Charging Station Management System (CSMS) supporting over 30 charger manufacturers.

Cloudics platform for EV charging is a low-cost way to quickly fulfil payment regulations for the EU and bring additional services to the OPT, such as car washes, parking, vacuum cleaners, vending machines and more.

Read more about Cloudics for EV charging here.

All-in-one mobile app

Whilst many retailers have invested in an app over the past decade, it is now becoming increasingly clear that just like a POS solution, customer apps require investment and planning.

The Cloudics app consolidates all aspects of the energy retail experience, from EV charging and frictionless entry to fueling, subscription-based services, shopping, food, engaging gamification features, and so much more.

Come talk to us about how you can use the app to surprise and delight your customers, driving increased revenue and converting fuel-only customers to loyal shoppers.

About Cloudics

Cloudics stands at the forefront, driving innovation as the energy landscape shifts. Our focus is ensuring retailers are ready for the next generation of fuel and convenience retail, no matter which direction the industry goes.

At Uniti Expo 2024, we will be unveiling current and latest innovations, with the goal of transforming fuel stations into comprehensive energy hubs, without the huge expense of equipment upgrades.

Global reach and borderless possibilities

Our journey spans over 26 years, during which we have achieved significant milestones, including deploying our platform and solutions across multiple regions such as Canada, the Baltics, the EU, and Georgia.

With over 550 stations operating on our platform and more than 200,000 users worldwide, our global footprint is a testament to our expertise and the trust placed in us by our partners.

We invite you to experience the future of fuel retail firsthand at Uniti Expo 2024, Hall 5, Booth D61.

Let’s embark on this journey towards a more efficient, sustainable, and consumer-friendly energy landscape.

Ad-hoc payments regulation for EV: Cloudics eOPT

A lot has already been said about the new Ad-hoc payment regulations coming into force around EVs. Designed to address many issues, including ease of access for users of low-cost EVs and the lack of transparency in subscription payments, the new rules mandate access to a credit card or contactless payment device without the need for subscriptions.

With the new directive already in place within the EU and similar initiatives underway in the UK and the US, such as the NEVI program, the landscape of EV charging is set for a substantial shift.

These regulations must be integrated into national laws, and they are not just bureaucratic changes but pivotal moves towards more user-friendly and transparent EV charging.

What does this mean for operators?

For operators, this translates into a significant investment in infrastructure.

The mandate for accessible credit card or contactless payment options at charging stations means operators must install PINpads at each charger or adopt a more integrated hardware solution to manage multiple chargers.

This is where Cloudics steps in with an innovative and cost-effective answer: the eOPT.

Designed to be a low-cost, asset-light solution, the Cloudics eOPT is revolutionary in its simplicity.

Leveraging the proven Cloudics Platform, all the business intelligence for the eOPT sits in the cloud, meaning that the only critical hardware is the PINpad.

Cloudics leverages the open areas of the PINpad payment flow to place charger control screens, meaning customers can select a charger and pay from the screen itself.

The Cloudics eOPT extends its benefits beyond simple payment flow

Utilising the existing Cloudics CPMS, customers will also be informed about the cost of parking or service on the display for each charger, so they know in advance how much per KW and per minute they will pay. 

For retailers and operators, the Cloudics solution offers an additional advantage: it only stops charging fees for parking when the charger is disconnected, not merely when the charging is complete.

But that’s not all.

Versatile customer journeys thanks to a floating basket

Thanks to the fact that the Cloudics Platform has a free-forming floating basket, that customer journey flow can be used for pretty much any purpose.

This means that from a single transaction, customers can charge their car, book a car wash, order food and drink, and even update their loyalty status.

This flexibility, coupled with the ability to continue transactions on any Cloudics-connected device, be it mobile, self-checkout, or point-of-sale, redefines convenience in EV charging.

A step further with Cloudics FCC

We take integration a step further with our unique Cloud-based Forecourt Controller.

Download the PDF here.

This innovation allows for seamless visibility and control of chargers directly from the Point of Sale (POS) system.

But the integration doesn’t end there; the eOPT also enables the selection of fuel pumps via its interface, offering a unified solution for various forecourt services.

This level of integration positions the Cloudics eOPT as a highly versatile and efficient option for retailers, providing a low-cost, low-maintenance OPT alternative.

Compared to mainstream OPTs in the market, the eOPT stands out for its affordability and ease of service, making it an attractive choice for retailers looking to upgrade their EV charging infrastructure.

Cloudics eOPT is not just a response to the changing regulatory landscape; it’s a forward-thinking solution.

Cloudics eOPT will be ready to install in early Q1 2024 and will be a game changer for the industry. You will no longer need to be concerned about installing a PINpad on every charger, nor will you need to worry about how to monetise your chargers.

Speak to us today to find out how to purchase the eOPT or partner with us.

For more information, visit: www.cloudics.com

Connect with our International Sales Director Gary on LinkedIn.

What is the difference between autocharge and Plug & Charge?

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, understanding the nuances of EV charging technologies becomes crucial. Two terms often heard in the EV charging conversation are Autocharge and Plug & Charge. While they might seem similar at first glance, they are different technologies with unique features and benefits. Let’s demystify these terms.

Cloudics platform expands to the UK market in cooperation with Suresite

Tartu, Estonia and Preston, UK – Astro Baltics, a world leader in cross-business mobile payment and advanced forecourt control technology has entered into an agreement with Suresite, the UK’s leading provider of forecourt payment technology, to use Astro Baltics’ Cloudics mobile platform to power Suresite’s new PitStop mobile platform.

Platform based on Cloudics technology – PitStop

The mobile payment platform will leverage the power of the proven Cloudics technology, already in use in Europe and North America, in order to bring a modern, reliable mobile experience to UK fuel retail.

The Cloudics platform already allows customers to pay for fuel, shop, order food, charge electric vehicles, and much more. That same technology will be available to retailers via Suresite’s new Pitstop, due for release soon.

PitStop Suresite’s innovative payments technology to negate any prolonged holding of pre-authorised funds. The app aims to clear these funds in a timely manner – meaning prompt transactions and less inconvenience to customers.

Benefits for retailers and customers

Benefits for retailers include connection to bespoke loyalty programmes; creating a database of customers available to market offers and upsell. Customer spending habits can be more easily analysed, giving retailers an insight into spending peaks and troughs.

Retailers can also look to leverage the app to enable out of hours fuelling, maximising on daily profits and reducing staff hours. Opportunity for business growth is boosted, with each element of the app available to numerous forecourt commercial outlets.

Additionally, thanks to GPS technology, the customer will know where the nearest fuel retailer is and will be able to pay from within their car without the need for unsightly QR codes.

Collaboration between Cloudics and Suresite

“When looking to enhance our payments offering to our thousands of retail outlets, we knew we needed to look towards mobile technology,” said Nick Horne, Sales and Commercial Director, Suresite Group. “Astro Baltics Cloudics platform was ideally placed to provide the engine to our app by providing a modern, secure solution while future-proofing us by already being ready for EV and more. As we grow our offering within our Connex marketplace, we believe Pitstop will be a prime feature of our customer’s forecourts.”

“At Astro Baltics, we had already engaged with many UK retailers who were excited by our Cloudics platform, but we knew that to provide an ideal experience, we needed a trusted partner in the UK,” said Gary Szendzielarz, International Business Development Director, Astro Baltics. 

“Suresite’s name kept coming up time and again as a trusted partner to the UK’s biggest fuel retailers, already providing a range of high-quality services. Through our exclusive UK partnership, we will be able to grow our portfolio of services and provide UK retailers with the opportunity to give customers a better fuelling and retail experience.”

“Finding a partner in the UK was one thing, but finding one who wanted to perfect the payment experience for the customer was another,” said Taimar Kallari, CEO of Astro Baltics. “Through Suresite, we were able to ensure we had the right payment gateway and setup in place to ensure the perfect pay-at-pump experience for the end customer. We are excited to see this new relationship blossom.”

Next steps in the UK market

As part of this new partnership, Astro Baltics will also work with SureSite to introduce their new eOPT device to the UK market. Designed to address the issue of card payment at the EV charger, the eOPT will be a low-cost device which can control up to ten charge-points from a single payment terminal, reducing the investment cost for charge-point operators. 

SureSite will showcase the new PitStop mobile platform at APEA Live in Milton Keynes on the 16th of November. Make sure to stop by the stand to see it in action.

Suresite

Established in 1994, Suresite Group provides a range of business-critical operational services for Fuel and Convenience Retailers. Suresite market leading Payment and data solutions, Wetstock management, Training and Health & Safety compliance help over 3,000 stores across the UK run businesses more effectively.

Suresite Group customers and partners include Barclays, Finaro, Worldpay, Timico, Feefo, American Express, Sponge, Greenergy, Cost Cutter, Jet, and others.

Astro Baltics & Cloudics

Astro Baltics has served the fuel and convenience industry for over 25 years, providing retailers with cutting-edge IT solutions. In 2018, Cloudics was unveiled to the public, offering an industry-leading mobile payment platform and the world’s first fully functioning cloud-based forecourt controller capable of communicating with legacy pumps.

Since then, Cloudics has been installed in numerous countries worldwide, including Canada, Austria, Estonia and Georgia.

Cloudics continues to grow from strength to strength, today opening doors to unmanned convenience stores, turning legacy devices into IoT devices, managing EV charge-points and providing the engine which drives customer engagement at the mobile device for any retail environment.

For more information, visit: www.cloudics.com or www.suresite.co.uk

The PitStop mobile platform will soon be available on the Google Play Store or the App Store.

Cloudics team is on the road to NACS 2023

In around two weeks, the Cloudics team is on the road again, and this time it’s big one. NACS 2023 in Atlanta offers to be the biggest convenience retail focused event in the world, and Cloudics will be there on stand.

Authentic experience in fuel retail: it all starts with one word

Much has been said about late Millennials and Gen Z, but the retail world has coined a phrase for what these young adults want; an authentic experience. But what does that mean for fuel retailers?