What is OCPP?
The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open-source communication standard for EV charging stations and network software companies. Simply put, any EV charging station that is OCPP-compliant can be configured to run any similarly OCPP-compliant software.
Established in 2009 by the Open Charge Alliance, OCPP is designed to be a free, open-source, and easy to implement protocol that ensures all participants are speaking the same language. As a result, it has become the global benchmark for interoperability throughout the EV charging industry.
But why is important to have OCPP-compliant EV charging equipment?
FAQs
OCPP is a free open standard for EV component vendors and network operators that enables interoperability between brands. It is essentially a freely available “language” used in the electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) industry.
Yes. As the industry evolves, so do the protocols we use. Much like all software, OCPP goes through updates, allowing it to establish parameters for how interoperability plays into new charging station functionality (i.e., Vehicle-to-Grid communications). The most current version is OCPP 2.0, with OCPP 1.6J being its most recent predecessor.
Yes. Since both the hardware and the software are OCPP-compliant, they can be configured to work together. However, the process for integrating hardware with a new software needs to be done by the manufacturer to ensure everything is set up correctly.
If you are a charging station service provider that makes either hardware or software, you can apply to become a member of the OCA here. There are certain benchmarks your product must meet in order to be considered compliant, but we encourage everyone in the industry to join.
Want an OCPP-compliant station?
Every EVBox charging station is 100% OCPP-compliant, so let us know what kind of charging solution you are looking for and we'll build you the perfect package.
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