> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.axle.energy/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Overview

> Monetize flexibility through managed charging

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/fascinating-teal-alpaca/gOH4qSU3kDIOD2w9/images/smart-charging.svg?fit=max&auto=format&n=gOH4qSU3kDIOD2w9&q=85&s=89c3e0efa57b6aa1b9de3a3adce73418" alt="smart-charging" width="657" height="444" data-path="images/smart-charging.svg" />
</Frame>

## What is Smart Charging?

Smart Charging is a fully managed charging solution. Axle will design precise charge plans which meet user charging requirements while supporting the grid, maximising overall flexibility revenue. This revenue can be shared with participants as cash rewards.

## How does Smart Charging work?

Rather than charging a vehicle immediately upon plugin, Smart Charging allocates charging to the time of lowest cost. To do this, we need to know:

* How much energy is required (kWh)
* When the vehicle needs to be ready by (time of day)

<iframe src="https://storybook-prod-530781020708.europe-north1.run.app/iframe.html?globals=&args=&id=forms-intent--default&viewMode=story" width="100%" height="480" frameBorder="0" title="Smart Charging Intent Component" className="p-6 rounded-lg shadow-sm border border-theme card-bg bg-white md:mx-8 my-8 text-gray-900 w-xs" />

We'll take these requirements, combine them with the customer's tariff, and optimize them with
respect to the flexibility markets to formulate an exact charging schedule.

## Why use Smart Charging?

* **You want to maximise flexibility revenue**: Smart Charging provides full control over charging schedules ensuring precise optimisation
* **You're happy with the new customer experience**: Your current scheduling process may need to be changed
* **You're comfortable with more technical work**: The integration has moderate complexity to it

<Note>
  Smart Charging maximises control and therefore flexibility revenue. However if you'd like to retain your current scheduling and minimise integration complexity, consider [Flex Lite](/workflows/flex-lite).
</Note>

## Getting started

Ready to integrate? Start by checking eligibility and then follow our integration guide:

<Card title="Eligibility & Consent" icon="check-circle" href="/workflows/ev-charging/eligibility-and-consent">
  Determine which users can participate
</Card>

<Card title="Integration Guide" icon="code" href="/workflows/smart-charging/integration">
  Complete walkthrough of onboarding users and configuring Smart Charging
</Card>

<Card title="Charging scenarios" icon="bolt" href="/workflows/smart-charging/scenarios">
  Worked examples showing how different intents and tariffs affect the schedules Axle sends
</Card>

<Card title="Earning from EV Charging" icon="coins" href="/workflows/ev-charging/paying-users/earning">
  Reward users for participation
</Card>

For detailed API specifications, see the [API Reference](/workflows/smart-charging/api-reference/auth) section.