OCPP — A Complete Guide for EV Charging Stations

As electric vehicles continue to grow rapidly worldwide, EV charging infrastructure is evolving from standalone hardware to fully connected and intelligent networks. In this transition, OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) has become one of the most important communication standards in the EV charging industry.

This article provides a clear and practical introduction to OCPP, covering its definition, benefits, main versions, application scenarios, and key considerations when choosing OCPP‑enabled charging stations.

 

1. What Is OCPP?

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is an open communication protocol that enables data exchange between EV charging stations (charge points) and a central management system (CSMS).

In simple terms:

OCPP is the common language that allows charging stations and backend platforms to communicate with each other.

As long as both the charger and the management platform support the same OCPP version, they can work together—regardless of brand or manufacturer.

OCPP was initiated by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA) and is now the most widely adopted charging communication protocol globally.

 

2. Why Is OCPP So Important?

For charging station owners and operators, OCPP brings several key advantages:

1️⃣ Vendor Independence

Without OCPP, charging stations are often locked into a manufacturer’s proprietary platform. This makes future system changes costly and risky.

With OCPP support, you can:

• Connect to third‑party backend platforms
• Switch platforms without replacing hardware
• Avoid long‑term vendor lock‑in

2️⃣ Remote Monitoring and Operation

Through OCPP, the backend system can monitor the charging station in real time, including:

• Online / offline status
• Charging, idle, or fault states
• Voltage, current, power, and energy data

Operators can also remotely perform actions such as:

• Start or stop charging sessions
• Remote reboot
• Parameter configuration
• Firmware upgrades (OTA)

3️⃣ Scalable Commercial Operations

OCPP is essential for commercial and public charging projects, as it enables:

• Centralized management of multiple sites
• User and permission management
• Billing, reporting, and data analysis

These capabilities form the foundation of a scalable and profitable EV charging business.

 

3. Common OCPP Versions Explained

Several OCPP versions are currently used in the market:

🔹 OCPP 1.5 (Legacy Version)

• Early protocol version
• Limited functionality
• Lower security level
• Gradually phased out

🔹 OCPP 1.6 (Most Widely Used)

OCPP 1.6 is the most popular and stable version on the market today.

Key features include:

• WebSocket / JSON communication
• RFID card authentication
• APP and backend remote control
• Basic billing and data reporting
• Broad compatibility with global platforms

👉 For most commercial and overseas projects, OCPP 1.6 is currently the safest and most practical choice.

🔹 OCPP 2.0 / 2.0.1 (Next‑Generation Protocol)

Newer versions offer enhanced functionality and security:

• Advanced security and encryption
• Smart charging and load management
• Better support for large public charging networks

However:

• Both chargers and platforms must support the same version
• Market adoption is still in progress

4. OCPP Application Scenarios

OCPP is suitable for almost all EV charging use cases, including:

• 🏢 Commercial buildings and shopping malls
• 🏨 Hotels, resorts, and tourist destinations
• 🏭 Industrial parks and corporate campuses
• 🏘️ Residential communities and parking facilities
• ☀️ Solar + energy storage + EV charging projects
• 🌍 Public and overseas charging networks

Both AC chargers and DC fast chargers can use OCPP as the standard communication protocol.

 

5. Key Considerations When Choosing OCPP‑Enabled Chargers

When selecting EV chargers for your project, we recommend paying attention to the following points:

1. Confirm the supported OCPP version (e.g., OCPP 1.6J or OCPP 2.0.1)
2. Ensure compatibility with third‑party backend platforms
3. Availability of API access or testing environments
4. Proven commercial or overseas project references
5. Support for remote firmware upgrades and future expansion

These factors directly affect the long‑term reliability and scalability of your charging network.

 

6. Conclusion

As the EV charging industry continues to mature, openness, compatibility, and scalability have become critical requirements.

OCPP plays a key role in enabling this ecosystem.

Choosing OCPP‑compliant charging stations is not only a technical decision, but also a strategic investment that ensures operational flexibility and long‑term value.

If you are planning an EV charging project or upgrading an existing charging network, OCPP is an essential foundation for future‑proof operations.

 

For more information about our OCPP‑supported EV charging solutions or platform integration capabilities, please feel free to contact us.