OCPI

OCPI, or Open Charge Point Interface, is an open international standard for exchanging information between parties in the electric vehicle charging ecosystem. Its primary goal is to enable roaming and interoperability between networks by allowing charge point operators (CPOs) and e-mobility service providers (EMSPs) to share data and coordinate charging services.

The protocol is developed and maintained by the OCPI Alliance and defines RESTful API endpoints and data models that cover key elements such as parties, locations, devices (charging points), connectors, tariffs, tokens, sessions, and charging data records (CDRs). By standardizing these data objects, networks can synchronize information about available stations, pricing, and user authorization across partners.

OCPI supports roaming by enabling EMSPs to access partner CPO networks, obtain real-time station status and prices, authenticate users, and create or retrieve charging sessions and associated energy data. The standard emphasizes versioning and bilateral roaming agreements, with mechanisms for data import, synchronization, and notification between networks.

Adoption of OCPI is strongest in Europe, where it facilitates cross-network charging without closed ecosystems. It complements other standards such as OCPP, which governs local charging station control, and ISO 15118, which covers vehicle-to-grid and user authentication at a broader level. OCPI’s open nature aims to lower barriers to entry for operators and service providers seeking interoperable roaming capabilities.

Challenges associated with OCPI include maintaining data consistency across participating networks and managing version compatibility as the standard evolves. Nevertheless, its open framework supports scalable interoperability and collaborative growth in the global EV charging market.