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

# What is Cariqa Connect API

> Cariqa Connect API is a backend-to-backend API that enables OEMs, mobility services and platforms to seamlessly offer EV charging through a single API integration, unlocking direct charge point operator prices for their end users while removing operational complexity and ensuring full regulatory compliance. 

<img alt="Cariqa Connect Diagram" lightAlt="Cariqa Connect Diagram" darkAlt="Cariqa Connect Diagram" src="https://mintcdn.com/cariqa/6W4rodMun3RhrSPM/images/Cariqa-Connect-API-1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=6W4rodMun3RhrSPM&q=85&s=a6e48009afee61916a92a7c656dc3712" className="dark:hidden" width="1628" height="1248" data-path="images/Cariqa-Connect-API-1.png" />

<img alt="Cariqa Connect Diagram" lightAlt="Cariqa Connect Diagram" darkAlt="Cariqa Connect Diagram" src="https://mintcdn.com/cariqa/6W4rodMun3RhrSPM/images/cariqa-connect-api-dark-2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=6W4rodMun3RhrSPM&q=85&s=c445d82b656805e5bf5ae001e98993f1" className="hidden dark:block" width="1628" height="1248" data-path="images/cariqa-connect-api-dark-2.png" />

## Why using it

1. Skip intermediary markups and access Europe’s charging networks at charge point operator **direct prices**, with transparent **revenue sharing** built in.
2. **Avoid** the **complexity** of energy resale, pricing structures, and cross-border regulatory requirements. Cariqa Connect handles the underlying **compliance** and market-specific constraints, so mobility services and platforms can operate confidently without navigating fragmented legal frameworks.
3. Deliver a **complete charging experience**, from station discovery and availability to session management and payments, through a single RESTful API that replaces the need for multiple operator integrations and reduces operational overhead.

## Who is it for

* **OEMs and automotive manufacturers** - Native in-vehicle charging experiences
* **Fleet management companies** - Integrated operations solutions
* **Mobility service providers** - Complete transportation platforms
* **Enterprise customers** - Employee/customer-facing charging features
* **Technology partners** - Add EV charging without complex integrations

## Key benefits

### Direct marketplace access

* No middleman markups - operator-set pricing
* Transparent revenue sharing model
* Direct CPO relationships

### Complete integration

* Station discovery with live stations data and blazing fast map tiles (map rendering)
* Session management (start/stop/monitor)
* Secure payment processing via [Stripe](https://stripe.com/) (PSD2 compliant)
* Invoice and billing (for both B2C and B2B customers)

### Developer-friendly

* A Single API which replaces a jungle of integrations
* Complexity is abstracted and managed by Cariqa, so you can focus on building your product rather than dealing with EV charging complexity

## Authentication

Backend-to-backend token authentication:

* Your backend authenticates once, operates on behalf of any user
* Secure API tokens with optional rotation support
* You control the customer experience

## Next Steps

1. [Quick Start](/quickstart) - Get to Your first API call
2. [Authentication setup](/authentication) - Learn more about our API security
3. [API Reference](/api-reference) - Complete endpoint documentation

<Note>
  **Manual onboarding**: Currently, all partner onboarding is handled manually by the Cariqa team.
</Note>