What is OCPI and why it matters in EV charging
OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) is the protocol helping the EV charging industry speak a common language. For Charge Point Operators (CPOs), e-Mobility Service Providers (EMSPs), and the software platforms that power them—like Charge Point Management Systems (CPMS)—OCPI is the secret link behind seamless roaming, automated billing, and real-time data sharing.
In simple terms, OCPI makes sure EV charging networks can communicate with one another. And that’s a big deal.
What is OCPI?
OCPI is an open, standardised protocol that connects Charge Point Operators and EMSPs. It allows different networks to share live data and authorise charging sessions—so a driver using one app can charge on someone else’s station without extra logins or membership cards.
Think of it as the API layer between charging providers. While OCPP connects the charger to its back-office, OCPI connects different back-office systems to each other.
With OCPI, the EV charging world starts to look more like one large, interoperable network—where EV drivers don’t care who owns the charger, and providers can scale without building dozens of bespoke integrations.
| Protocol | Purpose | Connects |
| OCPP | Charger-to-backend communication | Charging station to CPMS |
| OCPI | Backend-to-backend communication | CPMS of different providers |
Why CPOs and EMSPs should care
Without OCPI, EV charging is a fragmented mess. Drivers must sign up for multiple networks, use different apps, and hope the charger is compatible with their account. Not the best experience...
OCPI solves this by letting EMSPs offer roaming access to chargers outside their own network—and CPOs attract more users to their stations, regardless of who manages the driver’s app or payment method.
Here’s why this is important:
- CPOs boost utilisation by welcoming roaming drivers
- EMSPs expand their coverage without installing more chargers
- Drivers enjoy a consistent, easy experience—which makes EV adoption more appealing
Check out the whitepaper: What drives DC charger utilization - 12 ways to ramp up a new site
How CPMS platforms use OCPI
Most modern Charge Point Management Systems, such as Monta Hub, come with OCPI built in. This means CPOs and EMSPs can use their CPMS to exchange live data like station availability, pricing, and session history with partner networks.
A CPMS handles the technical heavy lifting—managing OCPI tokens, handling API calls, and syncing billing data—so operators can focus on strategy rather than tech headaches.
Whether it’s onboarding new roaming partners or automating back-end billing, CPMS platforms make OCPI simple to roll out and scale.
Business benefits of OCPI
OCPI brings several key advantages to the EV charging industry:
1. Interoperability
OCPI standardises how networks interact so there's no need for bespoke integrations or custom APIs.
2. Real-time data
Charging stations can share live status, location, and pricing—making apps more accurate and users better informed.
3. Remote management
Start, stop, or reset charging sessions remotely—even across different networks.
4. Automated billing
OCPI allows session data and fees to flow automatically between parties, making reconciliation effortless.
5. Better driver experience
One app, many networks, seamless access. That’s how you retain users.
Why OCPI is key to scaling EV charging
As EV adoption accelerates, so does the need for networks to work together. OCPI is what turns siloed networks of stations into a unified EV charging ecosystem, enabling the charging experience that modern EV drivers expect.
Simply put, for businesses, it enables growth. For EV drivers, it builds trust. And for software platforms, it simplifies operations and partnerships.
That’s why OCPI isn’t just a protocol—but the foundation for scaling EV charging infrastructure world-wide.
