OCPP - All you need to know

Nov 29, 2022

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) for charging stations

With the growing popularity of electric cars, it is critical that operators have a good understanding of the compatibility of their charging infrastructure. Nothing is more frustrating for EV drivers than arriving at a charging station, only to find that it is not compatible with their vehicle. In this blog, we discuss what role the Open Charge Protocol (OCPP) plays for EV charging station operators and users.

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) plays a crucial role in improving the interoperability and functionality of EV charging stations. Charging stations run on software, which the owner uses to manage access and set rates, for example. One of the components that contributes to charging station compatibility is the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). The OCPP ensures that charging stations can communicate with all service providers. This way, it is always possible to install an OCPP-compliant charging station anywhere, regardless of the local service provider.

What is the OCPP? (Open Charge Point Protocol)

OCPP was established in 2009 by the Open Charge Alliance. It was designed as an open communication protocol, in this way it is free to use for everyone. Meanwhile, it is seen as one of the most important standards for communication within the EV charging industry, both on a national and international level.

Before the OCPP protocol existed, charging networks were closed and it was not possible to switch to another service provider. Instead, users had to purchase a new charging station. Fortunately, that is now no longer an issue. The number of software vendors offering OCPP continues to grow, allowing us to use the best-fit software at every location.

Communication with the CSMS

The protocol describes how communication between charging points and the service provider's back office should take place. This back office is also called the Charging Station Management System (CSMS). The service provider manages the CSMS. With OCPP, we standardize that communication. Are charging stations OCPP compliant? Then that means they communicate correctly with the back office (CSMS), even if the charging station comes from another supplier.

When are charging stations OCPP compliant?

Charging stations are OCPP compliant only if both the hardware (the charging station itself) and the software meet the complete OCPP 1.6 specification. There are also companies that choose a closed network. Their charging stations therefore only work together with their own software and can only communicate with their own back office (CSMS).

False OCPP compliance

What also happens is that a charging station is falsely perceived as OCPP compliant. The software is based on the OCPP specification and can communicate well with their own back office. But when this same charging station is connected to another vendor's back office, the incorrect software implementation comes to light and an EV may not be able to charge.

The benefits of OCPP

Interoperability

Charging stations from different vendors can communicate with all back offices of the different service provider.

Autonomy

Do you need additional services that your current supplier does not offer? Or is your service provider raising its prices? With OCPP, you have the flexibility to switch to another provider.

Remote Monitoring and Management

Manage and monitor charging stations remotely. You can view the status of each charging station online, track charging sessions, adjust rates and resolve any problems. This increases operational efficiency and minimizes downtime.

Why is the OCPP test important?

A certification ensures that you can officially determine that a charging station is OCPP compliant. Compliance is proven through certification tests conducted by accredited testing laboratories. This involves testing charging stations to verify that they meet Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) specifications and requirements.

DEKRA is a globally recognized testing and certification company that can assist in obtaining certification for OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol). We have extensive expertise in electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and OCPP technical specifications. Want to know more about OCPP testing at DEKRA? Discover more here.