The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open communication standard that connects electric vehicle chargers to the central software that manages them, maintained by the Open Charge Alliance.
Through OCPP, the network software starts and stops sessions, sets prices and access rules, reads meter data, manages load and pushes firmware updates. Because the protocol is open, a charger that supports it can work with different software providers, so an owner can change networks without replacing hardware. Common versions in the field are OCPP 1.6J and 2.0.1; federally funded NEVI chargers must support OCPP 2.0.1.
What to specify
- A current OCPP version, certified by the Open Charge Alliance, not just “OCPP compatible”.
- The owner’s right to move chargers to another OCPP network, in writing.
- Exportable session and payment data in a usable format.
- Related standards: ISO 15118 for plug-and-charge, and OCPI for roaming between networks.
The Parkonomics view
OCPP is the exit clause of a charging contract: it is what keeps the hardware yours when the vendor relationship ends. Specify it at procurement and test that it works, because a protocol on a spec sheet is not the same as a working migration.
Related terms: Charger, EVSE, Managed Charging, Charger Uptime, SaaS
Further reading: Plugging In Wisely