What Is OCPP And Why It Matters for EV Charging Stations

As the global shift to electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, EV charging infrastructure must evolve to become more intelligent, scalable, and future-proof. One key standard enabling this transformation is OCPP—the Open Charge Point Protocol.

In this article, we’ll explain what OCPP is, how it benefits EV charging operators and manufacturers, and how OCPP-compatible EV chargers—like those from EVTAURUS—can help future-proof your EV charging network.

1. What Is OCPP?

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is an open-source communication standard designed to enable interoperability between EV charging stations and central management systems, known as Charge Point Management Systems (CPMS).

Created by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA), OCPP allows different brands of chargers and backend platforms to work together, promoting vendor independence and infrastructure scalability.

Key Features of OCPP:

• Interoperability: Ensures chargers from different manufacturers can connect with various backend software systems.

• Flexibility: Supports different communication modes (online/offline, websocket/HTTP).

• Security: Provides encryption, authentication, and secure firmware updates.

• Remote Management: Enables operators to remotely start/stop sessions, monitor usage, and push updates.

  
  

2. Why Is OCPP Important?

Without a common protocol, EV charging networks can become locked into proprietary software, making upgrades and integrations difficult. OCPP solves this by decoupling the hardware from the software.

Benefits of OCPP for EV Charging Networks:

• Vendor Flexibility: Operators are free to choose any OCPP-compliant charger or backend system.

• Cost Reduction: Reduces long-term costs by avoiding vendor lock-in.

• Scalability: Makes it easier to expand your network by integrating new hardware or software.

• Improved Reliability: Facilitates monitoring, diagnostics, and maintenance via remote access.

• Data Control: Provides better control over energy consumption, user data, and reporting.

• Integration with Smart Grids: OCPP supports future applications like dynamic load management, renewable energy integration, and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) solutions.

  
  

3. OCPP vs. Proprietary Protocols

Many early EV chargers used proprietary communication systems. This created compatibility issues, limiting network growth and customer choice.

OCPP eliminates this fragmentation by standardizing how charging stations and software systems communicate. That means operators can:

• Switch backend providers without replacing all hardware.

• Mix and match different hardware vendors.

• Reduce risks when upgrading systems.

  
  

4. OCPP and EVTAURUS: Compatible Charging Solutions

EVTAURUS is committed to open standards and offers a range of OCPP-compliant EV chargers to ensure seamless integration with third-party platforms and systems.

Some examples include:

• DC Fast Chargers (60kW to 320kW): Ideal for commercial and public applications. Compatible with OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0.1.

• AC Chargers (7kW to 22kW): Designed for residential, commercial, and fleet use, with full OCPP support.

• Integrated Energy Storage + Charger: Smart BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) charging stations support OCPP and enable off-grid or remote EV charging.

These products support remote monitoring, smart billing, and can easily be connected to your preferred Charge Point Operator (CPO) software through OCPP.

5. What Is OCPP 1.6 vs. 2.0.1?

Most modern charging stations today use OCPP 1.6, which is widely supported and includes robust features like smart charging profiles and firmware updates.

OCPP 2.0.1, the latest major update, brings enhancements such as:

• Improved Security (TLS/HTTPS)

• Support for Device Management

• Support for ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge)

• Advanced Smart Charging and V2G Capabilities

OCPP 2.0.1 is still being adopted by the market, but manufacturers like EVTAURUS are actively testing and upgrading products to be future-ready.

6. Use Cases: Where OCPP Makes the Difference

OCPP is essential for various stakeholders:

•  For CPOS (Charge Point Operators):

Easily switch software vendors without changing hardware.

• For Fleet Managers:

Remotely control charger behavior, energy usage, and user permissions.

• For Public Charging Networks:

Enable secure payment processing and load balancing across multiple stations.

• For Smart Cities:

Integrate EV chargers into smart energy management platforms and grid services.

7. How to Choose an OCPP-Compatible Charger

When shopping for an EV charger, make sure to:

• Check for OCPP Compliance: Look for support for OCPP 1.6 or 2.0.1.

• Confirm Compatibility with Your CPMS: Ensure your software platform supports the same OCPP version.

• Ask About Testing and Certification: Choose hardware that’s tested and proven to interoperate.

• Look for Upgradeability: Select equipment that can be upgraded to future versions of OCPP.

EVTAURUS provides all this with global certifications, remote update support, and full OCPP documentation.