magine driving your electric vehicle to a charging station, only to discover that you need another app to start charging. You download it, create an account, add money to a wallet and finally begin your charging session.
Now imagine accessing charging stations operated by different companies through a single compatible app.
That's the problem the Unified Energy Interface (UEI) aims to solve.
The Unified Energy Interface is an open digital framework designed to connect EV charging networks, energy providers and other participants through a common protocol. Built on the Beckn Protocol, UEI allows different platforms to exchange information and facilitate energy-related transactions without requiring every participant to operate on the same application.
Its potential extends beyond electric vehicle charging to battery swapping, renewable energy, energy storage and peer-to-peer electricity trading.
What Is Unified Energy Interface (UEI)?
The Unified Energy Interface (UEI) is an open, interoperable digital network that enables energy providers, consumers and technology platforms to discover services and carry out energy-related transactions across different systems.
It uses the Beckn Protocol to facilitate communication between independent platforms, allowing them to exchange information about services, pricing, availability and transactions.
UEI is often compared to India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Just as UPI allows customers to make payments across participating banks using different payment applications, UEI aims to make energy services accessible across participating platforms.
However, there's an important distinction: UEI is not an electricity transmission network or a replacement for payment systems. It provides a common digital framework for discovering, requesting and managing energy services.
The physical delivery of electricity still depends on charging infrastructure, electrical networks and applicable regulations.
Why Is Unified Energy Interface Important for EV Charging?
India's EV charging ecosystem includes multiple Charge Point Operators (CPOs), charging applications, payment systems and technology providers.
Many charging networks operate through their own applications.
For EV drivers, this can create several problems:
- Downloading separate applications for different charging networks.
- Creating multiple user accounts and managing different payment methods.
- Difficulty finding reliable information about charger availability.
- Inconsistent pricing visibility across charging platforms.
- Limited access to chargers outside a preferred network.
- Difficulty planning long-distance journeys.
UEI addresses these problems by allowing participating charging networks and applications to communicate through an open digital framework.
How Does UEI Benefit EV Users?
For EV owners, the primary benefit is EV charging interoperability.
With participating systems connected through UEI, drivers can potentially:
- Discover charging stations operated by different CPOs.
- Check charger locations, availability and pricing.
- Access supported chargers through a compatible application.
- Initiate charging sessions across participating networks.
- Complete payments without maintaining separate wallets for every operator.
- Access charging services through supported third-party applications.
For example, an EV owner travelling from Bengaluru to Mysuru may encounter charging stations operated by different companies.
Without interoperability, the driver might need multiple applications.
With UEI-enabled charging networks, a compatible application can help the driver access participating charging stations without switching between separate operator-specific systems.
Actual functionality depends on each charging operator's integration and the features supported by the user's application.
UEI Alliance: Supporting an Open Energy Network
The Unified Energy Interface Alliance brings together organisations working to develop open digital infrastructure for the energy sector.
Its objective is to support the adoption of the Beckn Protocol for energy-related economic transactions.
The initiative includes participation from energy companies, digital technology providers, utilities and other industry stakeholders.
Kazam is among the companies involved in developing UEI-based solutions for EV charging interoperability.
The alliance was established in April 2024 and has included participants such as Kazam, Pulse Energy, Sheru, ThunderPlus, ChargeZone and VerdeMobility.
Kazam's original article reported that the UEI ecosystem had expanded to 30 members and was facilitating more than 13,000 daily EV charging sessions, representing approximately 60 MWh of energy. Those figures describe the previously reported network scale and should not be treated as independently verified October 2026 totals.
The alliance continues to work on applications beyond EV charging, including distributed energy resources and electricity transactions. (UEI Alliance)
How Does Unified Energy Interface Work?
UEI operates through the Beckn Protocol, an open protocol that enables transactions between independent digital platforms.
The framework allows applications representing customers to communicate with platforms representing energy service providers.
Three important components support these interactions.
1. Beckn Application Provider (BAP)
A Beckn Application Provider represents the customer-facing side of the transaction.
In EV charging, this could be a mobile application or a vehicle's integrated charging interface.
The BAP allows users to search for charging stations, compare available options and request charging services.
2. Beckn Platform Provider (BPP)
A Beckn Platform Provider represents the service-provider side.
For EV charging, a BPP may connect the charging infrastructure and services of participating Charge Point Operators to the UEI network.
It responds to relevant search and transaction requests from compatible applications.
3. Beckn Gateway
The Beckn Gateway supports the discovery and routing of requests between participating network platforms.
Rather than requiring every customer-facing application to create an individual integration with every charging operator, the network provides a shared method for finding relevant service providers.
Kazam's Role in Unified Energy Interface
Kazam participates in the UEI ecosystem by developing technology that helps charging operators and digital platforms connect through interoperable systems.
Kazam's original UEI article introduced LEO, a UEI-enabled charging application built using the Beckn Protocol.
Kazam LEO: UEI-Enabled Scan & Charge
Kazam LEO was developed to simplify access to charging stations operated by participating CPOs.
The platform uses a Progressive Web App (PWA) approach, allowing supported applications to integrate its charging interface through a webview.
Its proposed benefits include:
- Access to UEI-enabled charging stations.
- Scan-and-charge functionality.
- Reduced dependence on separate CPO applications.
- Easier integration into supported EV charging platforms.
- A more consistent charging experience across participating networks.
The original article described LEO as India's first UEI-enabled Scan & Charge application.
Users should confirm current product availability and supported charging networks with Kazam before relying on a particular integration.
Kazam also provides EV charging management software and charging network solutions for businesses.
What Is the Difference Between UEI, OCPI and OCPP?
UEI is often discussed alongside OCPI and OCPP. Although all three support EV charging technology, they serve different purposes.
UEI: Unified Energy Interface
UEI provides an open framework for discovering and transacting energy-related services across independent platforms.
In EV charging, it supports interactions between customer applications and participating charging service providers.
Primary focus: Open-network service discovery and energy transactions.
OCPI: Open Charge Point Interface
OCPI is a protocol used for communication between EV charging service providers and charging networks.
It supports the exchange of information such as charging locations, tariffs, availability, authorisation, sessions and charging records.
OCPI is widely used for EV charging roaming.
Primary focus: Interoperability between charging networks and service providers.
OCPP: Open Charge Point Protocol
OCPP supports communication between charging stations and charging management systems.
It allows compatible backend systems to exchange operational information with chargers, including charging status, transaction information and remote commands.
Primary focus: Communication between charging hardware and backend software.
How Do These Technologies Work Together?
Consider an EV driver using an application to charge at a station operated by another company.
- UEI can enable service discovery and transaction coordination between participating platforms.
- OCPI can support roaming and operational data exchange between charging service providers.
- OCPP can connect the physical charging station to its charging management system.
These technologies can complement one another.
UEI does not replace OCPP, and its role is broader than payment processing alone.
For businesses operating charging stations, understanding these differences is important when selecting compatible charging software.
How much can interoperability improve charger utilization?
According to data analytics company EVALUESERVE, at present, apart from providing ease of access to EV users, interoperability can boost the utilization rate of charging stations by 10-15%, enabling CPOs to earn more. Fragmented EV charging networks will benefit from consolidation through initiatives like UEI and Google Maps listings.
Step-by-Step: EV Charging Through UEI
A UEI-enabled charging transaction can follow this process:
Step 1: Search for a Charging Station
An EV driver opens a compatible application and searches for nearby charging stations.
Step 2: Discover Available Chargers
The application requests information from participating charging service providers.
Available options may include charger location, connector type, charging capacity and applicable tariffs.
Step 3: Select a Charging Station
The user selects a compatible charger based on location, availability and price.
Step 4: Initiate Charging
The application communicates the charging request to the relevant service provider.
The charging operator's systems handle the required authorisation and charger operation.
Step 5: Complete the Charging Session
The charging session proceeds through the operator's charging infrastructure.
Step 6: Payment and Transaction Completion
The participating platforms coordinate the required transaction information, with payment processing and settlement handled through the applicable integrated systems.
UEI enables these digital interactions; it does not physically supply electricity or replace the charger's control system.
Managed EV Charging:
Managed EV charging is a way of charging that examines the needs of the EV & the grid. The aim is to balance the needs of the EV with the needs of the grid. Managed EV charging can help ease pressure during peak, non-renewable energy hours. For instance, Delhi paid a 40% premium for electricity this summer due to additional power procurement costs.
In the near future, 40-50% of Delhi’s peak demand will be driven by domestic cooling and EV charging (for electric buses & commercial EVs). UEI-led ‘managed EV charging’ will have a tremendous scope of reducing these costs.
How Does UEI Help Charge Point Operators?
Charge Point Operators invest in charging infrastructure, electrical connections, installation and maintenance.
But installing a charger doesn't guarantee that EV drivers will discover or use it.
A charging station may have available capacity while nearby drivers remain unaware that it exists.
UEI can help address this problem by increasing visibility across participating charging applications.
1. Wider Charging Station Discoverability
A UEI-enabled charging station can potentially appear through multiple participating customer applications.
This reduces dependence on a single operator-specific application for attracting users.
2. Better Charger Utilisation
When more EV drivers can discover and access a charging station, its potential customer base increases.
This may help improve charger utilisation.
Kazam's original article cited an Evalueserve estimate suggesting interoperability could improve charging station utilisation by 10–15%.
However, this should be treated as an estimate rather than a guaranteed improvement. Actual utilisation depends on location, demand, pricing, charger reliability and network participation.
3. Reduced Integration Complexity
Without open standards, charging operators may need individual technical integrations with multiple applications.
A shared interoperability framework can reduce the need for separate connections, although implementation and operational requirements still apply.
4. More Charging Transactions
Greater charger visibility can increase opportunities for charging sessions.
For CPOs, higher utilisation may improve revenue potential, provided operating costs remain under control.
5. Better Customer Experience
Drivers who can locate chargers, view prices and complete supported transactions through familiar applications may find public EV charging easier to use.
That convenience can encourage repeat usage.
What Is Unified Bharat e-Charge (UBC), and How Is It Related to UEI?
Latest Update – 2026
India's EV charging interoperability efforts have expanded with the development of Unified Bharat e-Charge (UBC).
UBC is a national EV charging interoperability initiative intended to allow EV drivers to discover, access and pay at participating charging stations through compatible digital interfaces.
The initiative builds on open-network concepts associated with UEI and the Beckn ecosystem.
In a government update published in May 2026, the Ministry of Heavy Industries described work on a National Unified EV Charging App, Unified Bharat e-Charge, intended to enable access across multiple charging networks. Press Information Bureau
A subsequent UBC ecosystem update dated 19 July 2026 reported that charging sessions were being processed through the interoperability network across multiple states and charging operators. Unified Bharat E-Charge
UEI vs Unified Bharat e-Charge
UEI is the broader open energy transaction framework. Its potential applications include EV charging, battery storage and renewable energy transactions.
UBC focuses specifically on making India's EV charging networks easier to access across participating operators.
For EV drivers, the intended result is similar: less dependence on multiple charging applications.
However, charging access still depends on network participation, compatible technology and operational availability.
Managed EV Charging and the Role of UEI
Managed EV charging involves coordinating charging sessions according to vehicle requirements, electricity demand and grid conditions.
For example, a commercial EV fleet may return to its depot at 7 PM.
If every vehicle starts charging immediately, the combined electricity demand could create a significant load on the facility.
A managed charging system can distribute charging sessions across available time periods while ensuring vehicles are sufficiently charged before their next journeys.
UEI could support such systems by providing a common digital framework for communication between energy service providers and participating platforms.
Potential Benefits of Managed EV Charging
- Reduced charging demand during peak electricity periods.
- Better use of available electrical infrastructure.
- Charging schedules aligned with vehicle operating requirements.
- Improved coordination between EV fleets and energy providers.
- Opportunities to respond to time-based electricity pricing.
These outcomes depend on compatible charging hardware, suitable energy management systems and relevant electricity tariffs.
UEI alone does not automatically control charger power or reduce electricity bills.
Applications of UEI Beyond EV Charging
The Unified Energy Interface is intended to support a broader digital energy ecosystem.
As distributed energy resources become more common, the ability of independent platforms to communicate may become increasingly important.
1. Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading
Peer-to-peer energy trading allows eligible electricity producers and consumers to participate in energy transactions under applicable regulations.
For example, a business with rooftop solar panels may generate more electricity than it consumes during certain periods.
A digital energy transaction framework could help eligible participants discover energy trading opportunities and coordinate transactions.
Actual electricity trading remains subject to electricity regulations, metering requirements and distribution network rules.
2. Renewable Energy Integration
Solar, wind and other renewable energy sources generate electricity according to environmental conditions.
UEI-based systems could help connect energy service platforms that manage renewable generation, consumption and transactions.
This may support better coordination between energy producers, consumers and utilities.
3. Battery Energy Storage
Battery energy storage systems can store electricity and supply it later when required.
UEI could support interactions between energy storage operators and eligible electricity market participants.
Potential applications include coordinating energy storage services and transactions involving distributed battery capacity.
4. Vehicle-to-Grid Technology
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology allows compatible electric vehicles to return electricity to the grid.
In the future, interoperable transaction systems could help EV owners participate in eligible energy services.
However, this would require compatible vehicles, bidirectional chargers, grid infrastructure and regulatory permission.
UEI integration does not automatically make an EV or charger capable of V2G operation.
5. Battery Swapping
Battery swapping services involve exchanging discharged batteries for charged batteries in compatible electric vehicles.
An interoperable digital framework could allow participating swapping networks to share service information and support transactions across applications.
6. Demand Response
Demand response programmes encourage electricity consumers to adjust consumption according to grid requirements or pricing signals.
UEI could support communication and transactions between eligible consumers, utilities and demand response providers.
These applications could help create a more connected energy ecosystem as the necessary technology and regulatory frameworks develop.
Challenges in Implementing Unified Energy Interface
Although UEI offers potential benefits, successful implementation depends on more than adopting an open protocol.
Participation by Charging Operators
Drivers cannot access every public charger simply because UEI exists.
Charging operators must connect their systems and support the required transaction workflows.
Accurate Charger Information
Interoperability is useful only when charging station information is reliable.
Incorrect availability data, outdated tariffs or unavailable chargers can still cause problems.
Payment and Settlement Processes
Transactions across independent platforms require suitable payment handling, reconciliation and settlement arrangements.
Technical Compatibility
Charging operators may use different backend systems and hardware.
Connecting these systems requires compatible interfaces, testing and operational support.
Data Security
Cross-platform transactions involve user, location and payment-related information.
Participating systems must implement appropriate security and privacy measures.
Regulatory Requirements
Energy trading applications beyond EV charging must comply with applicable electricity regulations.
An open digital protocol does not override those requirements.
The Future of Unified Energy Interface in India
The future of UEI depends on how effectively energy companies, charging operators, utilities and technology providers adopt interoperable systems.
EV charging is a practical starting point because the problem is already visible.
Drivers want to locate charging stations, connect their vehicles and complete transactions without repeatedly switching between applications.
For charging operators, interoperability can provide access to users across multiple digital platforms.
Looking further ahead, UEI could support a much broader set of energy services.
Distributed solar generation, batteries, fleet charging and electricity transactions may increasingly require shared digital infrastructure.
The challenge is turning technical interoperability into a dependable experience for users.
A charging station that appears on several applications but cannot reliably start a session is not a successful interoperability outcome.
Network participation, accurate data and operational reliability will determine how valuable UEI becomes.
Conclusion:
UEI has the potential to create a huge ecosystem and manage energy for seamless EV charging, energy storage & distribution. It is already simplifying communication between different stakeholders, and in future, has a lot more to offer to CPOs, DISCOMs & end consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unified Energy Interface
1. What is Unified Energy Interface (UEI)?
Unified Energy Interface is an open digital framework based on the Beckn Protocol. It enables participating platforms to discover and transact energy-related services, including EV charging.
2. How does UEI work in EV charging?
UEI connects compatible customer applications with participating charging service providers. It supports charger discovery, service requests and transaction coordination across different platforms.
3. Is UEI the same as UPI?
No. UPI is a payment system, while UEI is an open framework for energy-related service transactions. UEI is compared to UPI because both support interoperability across participating platforms.
4. Can I charge my EV at any charging station using UEI?
Not necessarily. You can access chargers that participate in the relevant interoperable network and support the required application and transaction features.
5. What is the difference between UEI and OCPI?
UEI supports open-network energy service discovery and transactions. OCPI focuses on interoperability and information exchange between EV charging networks and service providers.
6. What is the Beckn Protocol?
The Beckn Protocol is an open protocol that enables independent digital platforms to discover services and conduct transactions across an interoperable network.
7. How does UEI benefit charging station operators?
UEI can help charging operators improve charger discoverability, reach users across participating applications and reduce some integration barriers.
8. What is Unified Bharat e-Charge?
Unified Bharat e-Charge is an Indian EV charging interoperability initiative designed to connect participating charging networks and simplify charger discovery, access and payments.
9. Can UEI support renewable energy trading?
UEI can provide a digital framework for discovering and coordinating eligible renewable energy transactions. Actual electricity trading depends on applicable regulations and infrastructure.
10. Is Kazam part of the UEI ecosystem?
Yes. Kazam is a participant in the Unified Energy Interface ecosystem and has developed UEI-enabled technology for EV charging interoperability.
Build an Interoperable EV Charging Network with Kazam
As India's EV charging infrastructure expands, interoperability is becoming increasingly important for Charge Point Operators, fleet businesses and charging technology providers.
Kazam develops EV charging hardware and software solutions that support charging network management and interoperability.
From charging station monitoring to cross-network access, Kazam helps businesses manage charging infrastructure and connect with the wider EV charging ecosystem.
Businesses planning to integrate existing charging infrastructure with interoperable networks can explore Kazam's charging management and roaming solutions.
For complete EV charging solutions, explore the Kazam website and reach out to us at Kazam Business.
