What is OCPP?
A guide explaining what the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is, how it works and the benefits of using it.
Last updated: Apr 24, 2024 • 2 min read
Summary
The OCPP is a technical language allowing compliant chargers and charging networks to communicate with each other. It gives customers (i.e. chargepoint owners) the ability to switch between charging networks, offering a better user experience.
What does OCPP stand for?
The Open Charge Point Protocol or OCPP is a system of rules that allows EV chargepoints and charging station networks (also called a central management system) to communicate with each other. It’s similar to the relationship between mobile phones and mobile phone networks.
The key benefit of OCPP-compliant chargers is that chargepoint owners have the freedom to switch to other network providers to receive better services, pricing or security features. It makes competition possible, which encourages innovation and improvement for the benefit of the customer.
The OCPP is an open-source protocol, meaning it’s accessible free of charge. EV chargepoint makers can use it without having to establish licensing agreements or payments, making it easy to implement across the EV industry.
What are the benefits of OCPP?
Security
OCPP makes sure the data transmitted between chargers and networks is encrypted and secure to keep your personal data safe.
Future-proofing
If the provider of a non-OCPP-compliant charger goes out of business, the chargepoint will stop working. With OCPP, you’d be able to switch your device to another network to continue using it.
Flexibility and choice
If you’re tied to a network, you have to accept any price rises or changes in service. OCPP gives you the flexibility to change your network and look for better options on the market.
Experience
Because OCPP enables the customer to switch to other networks, it creates competition among charging station network providers to create the most user-friendly experience at the best price.
When was OCPP created?
OCPP was created by the Open Charge Alliance, a global consortium of public and private EV infrastructure leaders. It was made public in 2009 to establish a standard for compatibility across EV charging stations, with the aim of pushing forward EV adoption.
Since its first implementation, OCPP has become the industry standard, allowing providers of chargepoints and networks to communicate seamlessly. The freely available protocol is regularly improved and updated, and the most current version of the protocol is OCPP 2.0.