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OCPP, or the Open Charge Point Protocol, is an open-source standard formulated by the Open Charge Alliance in 2009.

Its primary goal is to make communication between EV charging stations and their management systems smoother, ensuring that various EV charging components talk to each other seamlessly.

The role of OCPP in the EV industry

Photo by Michael Fousert on Unsplash
Photo by Michael Fousert on Unsplash
  1. Universal language of charging: Think of OCPP as the universal translator for EV charging. It ensures that different charging technologies can "speak" to each other, fostering a harmonious EV environment.
  2. Tech-agnostic operations: It empowers charging providers to use a mix of technologies, giving them flexibility. The result? Efficient operations and a superior charging experience for EV drivers.
  3. Promoting healthy market dynamics: By offering a common platform and a central management system, OCPP promotes competition, fostering innovation and quality in the market.

Find out also: Why CPOs should embrace EV roaming

Why should every EV charging provider consider OCPP?

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
  • Future-proofing with open protocols: Adopting standards like OCPP ensures that charging and energy platforms are prepared for future tech shifts. There's no fear of getting stuck with one vendor – offering flexibility in swapping out components regardless of your operating system.
  • Boosting operational efficiency: With OCPP, expect better network stability, improved utilisation of resources, and avenues for monetisation. In other words, a more powerful charging station management system.
  • Advancing energy management: The OCPP 2.0.1 version, for instance, supports vehicle-to-grid (V2G) interactions. This promotes energy flow from electric vehicles back to the grid, offsetting costs associated with beefing up energy infrastructure.

A quick look at OCPP versions

  • OCPP 1.6 (2016): Introduced smart charging and demand responses, and allowed for retrieving data via triggered messages.
  • OCPP 2.0.1 (December 2022): A more robust version offering enhanced security features, better device management, and support for the latest charging needs. All in all, a better electric vehicle charging experience.

Read more: Upgrade to OCPP 2.0.1: The key to advancing the EV charging infrastructure

FAQs

What is OCPP?

An open-source protocol that streamlines communication in the EV charging world.

Why is it pivotal for EV chargers?

Standardised communication means wider visibility and efficient hardware management.

How does OCPP operate?

OCPP operates as a freely available “language” enabling interoperability between different EV technologies. It allows any EV charging station to work compatibly with any charger management software.

Are there different versions of OCPP?

Yes, there are different versions of OCPP. The most recent ones are OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0.1. These versions are regularly updated to support new functionalities and comply with industry standards.

Can all OCPP hardware and software pair up?

Yes, but always consult the manufacturer for perfect integration.

Why adopt OCPP?

It ensures seamless communication between different charging stations, fostering competition, innovation, and customer flexibility.