What is an EVSE ID on a charging network?

An EVSE ID identifies electric vehicle supply equipment in charging data exchanges. It differs from the operator ID identifying the organisation and from an internal database identifier. In Open Charge Point Interface version 2.2.1, the EVSE record distinguishes its technical uid from its evse_id [S1]. Ask for a mapping to your physical bays. Checked October 2026.

Last checked 19 October 2026

What does an EVSE ID identify?

An EVSE ID is an identifier for electric vehicle supply equipment used in charging data exchanges. The OCPI specification distinguishes it from the software platform’s technical identifier, called uid [S1]. OCPI means Open Charge Point Interface, the protocol used to exchange charging information between organisations.

Why it matters for your site: ask for matching identifiers in your asset register, map listings and session reports so that staff can trace a problem to the right equipment.

OCPI recommends the eMI3 identification format for roaming, while EV Roam registers organisation identifiers in the UK and Republic of Ireland [S2], [S3]. The operator ID identifies the organisation; the complete EVSE ID identifies the equipment within that identification scheme. EV Roam explains the prefix as a country code followed by the registrant’s three-character code; the operator allocates the remaining characters [S5].

Is the short charger label the same identifier?

OCPI 2.2.1 distinguishes evse_id, uid and physical_reference, the reference visible at the site [S1]. Avoid assuming that a short number on a cabinet can be searched unchanged in every roaming service.

Request a handover sheet linking each bay label to its EVSE ID, connector details and equipment serial number. Ask for a sample session export and compare it with the operator’s listing. These are proposed acceptance checks. Use EVSE versus device versus connector for counting equipment and OCPP and OCPI explained for the wider protocol distinctions. OCPP means Open Charge Point Protocol.

Why do identifiers matter for public charging data?

The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 reference OCPI 2.2.1 for public charging data [S4]. Ask who maintains the identifier mapping when equipment is replaced or an operator changes. Check the compliance scope with your solicitor; an identifier alone does not establish that the whole data feed complies.

Read the open data guide before agreeing reporting responsibilities. Keep identifiers separate from price inputs in the charging cost tool.

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