Basics about OCPP and its Functions in EV Charging

What is OCPP?

OCPP stands for "Open Charge Point Protocol". It is simply a syntax (language) used to communicate between a networked charging station and a charging management system(CSMS).

Also read: CSMS

CSMS is a cloud-based backend system managed by the company operating the charging station. The EVSE (electric vehicle charging equipment comprising of the charger and associated electrical infrastructure) communicates with the CSMS to help Ev drivers locate charging facilities. reserve slots. get authorization and make payment. CSMS also helps the company by fixing tariffs to be charged, generating reports, run diagnostics, schedule, and monitoring charging stations

Background

OCPP was originally developed in 2009 by the E-Laad foundation (now ElaadNL) with the aim to create an open communication standard that would allow the Dutch charging stations and central systems from different vendors to easily communicate with each other.
Now it is managed by the Open Charge Alliance(OCA) to promote open standards for EV charging networks globally.

What is OCPP used for?

Below are three main players in the field of EV charging that need the powerful functions of OCPP:

EVSE Manufacturers: These are hardware companies that manufacture EV chargers.

CSMS Software Providers: Most are software companies that build charging station management systems (CSMS).

CPOs: Charge point operators build charging station networks and own customer relationships.

It is common for these three to be separate businesses, but in some cases, single companies choose to take the role of two or all three of the above. For example, Grasen is the EVSE manufacturer and also provides CSMS.

What can you do with an OCPP EV charger?

Following are some basic operations of EV chargers with OCPP

• User authorization for the start of charging
• Remote modification of Charger configuration (settings)
• Real-time status monitoring of charging stations
• Real-time charging session data transfer to the central management system
• Remote charging session control (start/end)
• EVSE Fault Diagnosis
• Reservation of charging time slot by EV user (through a mobile/web app)
• Smart Charging
• Firmware management of chargers
• Remote unlocking of charging gun etc.

Key Benefits of OCPP

• Able to connect any CSMS with any charging station, regardless of the vendor (provided the CSMS and charging station are both OCPP compliant).
• Accommodate all types of charging techniques (GB/T, CHADMEO, CCS 2).
• Enables uniform access to charging stations, roaming, and billing services for EV customers
• Relatively easy to add new features and improvements through the openness of the protocol.

OCPP 1.6 vs. 2.0.1

What are the different versions of OCPP?

Following are the released versions of OCPP by Open Charge Alliance:

• OCPP 1.5| Released in 2012
• OCPP 1.6 (S/J) Released in Oct 2015- OCPP 2.0 ()I Released in Apr 2018
• OCPP 2.0.1 (J) Released in April 2020

Which one is better for you?

As for now, most of the EV chargers are OCPP 1.6 compatible, the newest version OCPP 2.0.1. includes improvements in Device Management, Security enhancements, and support for ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge).
If the devices you are managing already support 2.0.1 and you plan to use the new features, you may choose 2.0.1. But, if you are good with the set of functionalities that 1.6 provides, given its adoption and wide community we would recommend starting from it and upgrading later to 2.0.1 when it gets more traction outside Open Charge Alliance.

Why Choose OCPP-compliant EV Charger?

Reliability and uptime are critical for all EV charging service providers. Service downtime due to hardware faults can cause loss. Purchasers may prefer to mix and match hardware from multiple suppliers. One reason for this can be the need to diversify their hardware supply chain. Another reason is to verify the features of one vendor vs. another. As long as the EV charge station is OCPP compatible, like Grasen's, the owners can manage them remotely via any 3rd party's OCPP backend.

Grasen OCPP EV Charging Stations