OCPP

Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open, standardized protocol for communication between electric vehicle charging stations and central management systems. It enables interoperable control and monitoring of charging infrastructure, supporting remote operation, status reporting, diagnostics, and data exchange between charging points and back-end systems.

The standard is developed and maintained by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA), a consortium of manufacturers, operators, and service providers. OCA publishes the specifications, coordinates interoperability testing, and operates certification programs to promote compatibility across vendors and networks.

Key capabilities of OCPP include session management (start and stop of charging sessions), authentication and authorization of users, metering and energy transfer data, remote configuration and firmware updates, diagnostics, and event reporting. The protocol supports remote control of charging stations, pricing and billing related messaging, and features that facilitate roaming and multi-network interactions among different operators and back-ends.

Versions and evolution: OCPP has progressed through multiple major versions. Earlier versions such as 1.2, 1.5, and 1.6 established core messaging for centralized control and data exchange. OCPP 1.6 introduced support for JSON messaging over WebSocket, expanding integration options with modern back-ends. OCPP 2.0 and 2.0.1 provide a more modular and extensible architecture with enhanced security, richer data models, improved charging profiles, and better support for smart charging, energy management, and device management.

Impact and usage: OCPP is widely adopted by charging point manufacturers and network operators, enabling cross-brand interoperability and roaming between networks. It is regarded as a de facto standard in many EV charging deployments, with ongoing development to address security, scalability, and evolving grid and market needs.