Understanding OCPP

Why interoperability matters

Learn why it is important for the longevity of your EV charging hardware that the solution you choose is OCPP-compliant.

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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.

Why is OCPP-compliant EV charging equipment important?

Hardware benefits

When you select an OCPP-compliant hardware provider, you are open to certain freedoms that are unavailable to non-OCPP stations.

Choose the EV software that is right for you
Switch your EV software at any time
Stimulate competition in the market

Software benefits

With OCPP-compliant charging management software, you get access to features that non-OCPP software cannot provide.

Make your stations visible to a wider audience
Manage all your EV charging hardware in one place
Provide the best user experience

FLEXIBILITY MEANS FREEDOM

More OCPP benefits

You’re flexible

With certain EV charging stations, the hardware only works with its own brand of software. That means you're stuck paying their networking fees in order to keep your stations online. When you choose an OCPP-compliant charging solution, you can change your network whenever you want.

You’re secure

What happens if you purchase non-OCPP charging stations and the manufacturer goes out of business? With no option to switch service providers, your stations will stop working. With OCPP interoperability, you never have to worry about these kinds of stranded assets.

You’re smart

OCPP-compliant charging solutions are the most competitive in the industry, because they realize that you have the power to choose. With OCPP, you support service providers who's primary goal is to bring to market the most feature-rich, user-friendly, and cost-effective solutions.

You’re savvy

An EV charging solution that has you handcuffed to their network can raise their fees at any time, and you'd be forced to pay. With OCPP and the ability to change your network at any time, the market becomes more competitively priced. Never get held captive audience.

FAQs

How does OCPP work?

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.

Are there different versions of OCPP?

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.

Can any OCPP hardware work with any OCPP software?

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.

Can my company join the Open Charge Alliance?

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.