Joint Tech

What is OCPP in EV Charger?

OCPP is a short form for Open Charge Point Protocol and as the name suggests, it is an open-source communication standard used in networked electric car chargers. The main objective of OCPP is to ensure any electric vehicle charger functions with all charger management software systems even if the software developer and the EV charger manufacturer have never met and are working from different continents.

From the definition, we can see that not all charging station networks are OCPP-compliant. In fact, only open network charging stations can be OCPP compliant.

In addition to open networks, we also have closed networks and no-networked charging stations.

Closed networks EV chargers use trademarked standards to communicate with the networks and will require an entire system overhaul in order to switch to other types of networks. A good example is the Tesla Chargers.

Non-Networked charging station functions as self-sufficient units without any network connectivity. It uses the standard power rates provided by the grid supplier. A good example of the non-networked system is residential chargers.

Importance of OCPP in EV Charger

OCPP has both software and hardware benefits. In terms of software, you gain access to functionalities that noncompliance software can offer. For instance, OCPP-compliant makes your station visible to a broader audience, provides a top-notch user experience, and manages all your electric vehicle charging hardware in a single place.

In terms of hardware benefits, you can easily switch your EV software anytime you wish and encourage competition in the industry.

(Joint Tech: OCPP 1.6J, connected successfully with 50+ global EVC platforms)

Here are the key benefits of OCPP:

Give you flexibility: With other types of electric vehicle charging systems, the hardware only functions with its trademarked software, meaning that you will be required to constantly pay networking fees to keep your charging stations online. But with the OCPP-compliant charging option, you can easily change your network.

Makes you smart: Today OCPP-compliant chargers are among the most competitive in the market since they know that the user has the prerogative to choose. OCPP providers intend to bring to the masses the most functional, user-friendly, and affordable solutions.

You are safe: Imagine buying non-OCPP charging systems and then the manufacturer closes down their business? You can’t switch to other providers and therefore your station will cease functioning. But with the interoperability that is offered by OCPP, you will never have to focus on these worries.

Makes you savvy: A non-compliant EV charging system handcuff you to its network and this means they can raise their rates at any moment and you will be forced to accept it. But with OCPP compliant systems, you can change your network any moment you wish, forcing the market to be competitively priced.

What to consider when implementing the OCPP protocol

The following are key considerations before you implement the OCPP standard:

1.Standard selection

Older versions like OCPP 1.5 were based off of SOAP that depends on XML to characterize data, which is not reliable for charge stations with weak internet connectivity. But later versions of OCPP are based on JSON-over-WebSocket, which, unlike SOAP, is a modern technology that streamlines communications using client-server equipment. The most advanced version of OCPP such as OCPP 2.0.1 is compatible with several options including remote transactions, PIN, and Plug and Charge. It is also the go-to option for implementations that require ISO 15118 certification and integration with EMS (energy management systems).

2.Integration testing

After completing the OCPP implementation, it is advisable to test different communication outcomes as well as interoperability between the backend (server) and the charger (client). This may involve operations started by the charger such as heartbeat, metering, start or stop, authorize, status, boot, etc., and electric vehicle users through mobile applications.

3.OCPP migration

One should painstakingly consider migration despite the improved features of the latest version of OCPP, because of inconsistent standard interpretation. For an effective migration, one should first check if the server (back-end) infrastructure is compatible with 2.0.1, migration cost, modification in the naming regulations, as well as proof of concept (POC) before migration.

Final words

OCPP in electric vehicle charging systems (both software and hardware) has become unavoidable due to the increasing need for interoperability. Looking forward, this protocol has a promising future and great potential for adoption as a key ISO standard, and EV charging manufacturers should begin seeking expert opinion and help in the implementation and testing of OCPP as well as developing a product roadmap that is future-ready.

Joint Tech

What is OCPP in EV Charger?

Importance of OCPP in EV Charger

What to consider when implementing the OCPP protocol

1.Standard selection

2.Integration testing

3.OCPP migration

Final words

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The Future of EV Charging: Trends in Commercial Charging, Smart Solutions, and Infrastructure

How to Choose the Right EV Charging Point: From Home Charging to Fast Charging Stations

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