Navigating the Transition from Shell Recharge: Why Midwest Utilities & Local Governments Need a Reliable CMS Partner
The electric vehicle (EV) market is evolving rapidly, and so are the technologies that support charging infrastructure. With Shell Recharge/Greenlots exiting the North American market by April 30th, 2025, many Midwest utilities and local governments that rely on their CMS (Charging Management System) are now faced with a critical decision: Which CMS provider should they transition to?
This isn’t just about replacing software—it’s about ensuring long-term reliability, seamless load control, accurate reporting, and expert local support to keep EV charging infrastructure operational and effective.
For Midwest municipalities and utilities, selecting the right CMS is key to supporting fleet electrification goals, public charging expansion, and grid resilience. That’s where ZEF Energy comes in. With a proven track record supporting utility and municipal EV charging programs, we provide a trusted, Midwest-based CMS solution designed to meet the needs of both public and utility-owned networks.
Why a Reliable CMS Matters for Midwest EV Charging Programs
Choosing the right CMS is about more than just keeping chargers online—it’s about having a system that:
Optimizes grid performance with advanced load control
Tracks energy usage and revenue with precision
Provides local support with fast response times
Future-proofs charging networks for long-term growth
1. Intelligent Load Control for Grid Stability & Cost Savings
Midwest utilities face unique challenges when managing EV charging, including grid demand fluctuations from cold winters and peak summer loads. Without an effective load management system, EV charging can create demand spikes that result in higher energy costs and grid strain.
ZEFNET’s load control and demand response features allow utilities and local governments to:
✅ Optimize charging schedules to avoid high peak demand charges
✅ Integrate with demand response programs to support grid reliability
✅ Prevent grid overload with dynamic load management
By leveraging smart load control, Midwest utilities and municipalities can reduce costs, increase charging efficiency, and improve overall grid stability.
2. Comprehensive Usage Tracking & Reporting for Transparency & Compliance
Whether managing a public charging network or operating an electric fleet, accurate data tracking is critical for ensuring compliance with state and federal funding requirements, recovering electricity costs, and optimizing infrastructure investments.
ZEFNET’s robust reporting and analytics help utilities and local governments:
✅ Track kWh dispensed to ensure accurate billing and tax compliance
✅ Monitor charging station performance in real time
✅ Generate reports for grants and funding programs such as the NEVI and CFI programs
✅ Ensure fair cost recovery for fleet and public charging programs
By choosing a CMS with comprehensive tracking and analytics, utilities and municipalities gain the insights needed to make data-driven decisions that improve operations and maximize return on investment.
3. Midwest-Based Local Expertise & Support
One of the biggest concerns for utilities and municipalities transitioning from Shell Recharge/Greenlots is losing direct, responsive support. Large, national CMS providers often prioritize scale over service, leaving utilities and municipalities with slow response times and frustrating customer service experiences when critical issues arise.
At ZEF Energy, we take a different approach:
✅ Midwest-based operations and manufacturing to ensure rapid support
✅ A dedicated team that understands regional utility & municipal needs
✅ Faster response times to minimize charger downtime and maximize uptime
As a trusted Midwest CMS provider, ZEF Energy delivers the local expertise, hands-on service, and personal support that utilities and municipalities need for a smooth and hassle-free transition.
OCPP Hardware: The Key to a Seamless Transition
Many utilities and local governments in the Midwest have invested in OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) hardware, which allows for CMS flexibility. Instead of replacing expensive chargers, municipalities and utilities can retain their existing hardware and switch to ZEFNET without major infrastructure overhauls.
Key benefits of OCPP compliance when switching CMS providers:
🔹 No need for costly hardware replacements—just transition to a new CMS
🔹 Seamless software integration with ZEFNET for uninterrupted operations
🔹 More control over future expansion without vendor lock-in
By transitioning to ZEFNET, utilities and municipalities can protect their charging infrastructure investment while upgrading to a feature-rich CMS that meets their evolving needs.
Why Midwest Utilities & Municipalities Trust ZEF Energy
With a decade of experience supporting over 160+ utility and local government customers, ZEF Energy has built a reputation as a trusted CMS provider that understands the unique challenges of publicly funded and utility-owned charging networks.
✅ Proven reliability with utility and municipal partners across the Midwest
✅ Designed for public and private charging networks, including fleet and workplace programs
✅ Flexible OCPP integration for a seamless transition from Shell Recharge/Greenlots
✅ U.S.-based service and support for rapid, responsive assistance
With ZEFNET, utilities and local governments get a CMS that is purpose-built for their needs—with advanced features, reliable performance, and Midwest-based support.
Act Now: Secure a Trusted CMS Before April 30th, 2025
With Shell Recharge/Greenlots exiting the North American market, utilities and municipalities in the Midwest must act quickly to transition to a reliable CMS to avoid service disruptions and data loss.
ZEF Energy is ready to help make this transition as smooth and cost-effective as possible. With our deep expertise in utility and municipal EV infrastructure, we ensure:
✅ A seamless migration with minimal downtime
✅ Full support for existing OCPP hardware
✅ Long-term stability from a trusted Midwest-based CMS provider
Contact ZEF Energy today to discuss how we can support your CMS transition and keep your charging network running smoothly.