- June 07, 2024
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is the protocol which connects EV and charging station management system to transfer real time secured data. The OCA (Open Charge Alliance) is a global group of EV leaders who build and promote open-source resources to boost EV adaptability with advancements.
EV charging management software market is projected to reach $7.50 billion by 2030.Which shows growing demand of electric vehicles and charging stations need It is one of the key protocols which is helping to push EV industry towards more affordable, accessible and flexible charging infrastructure.
Released in 2015, OCPP 1.6 gained popularity among charge point operators and manufacturers due to its extensive feature set:
OCPP 1.6 introduced support for both SOAP and JSON messaging, providing developers with greater flexibility in integration and deployment.
This version included basic smart charging capabilities, enabling charging stations to adjust power levels based on grid conditions or user preferences.
OCPP 1.6 allowed users to reserve charging slots, significantly improving the EV driver experience.
Building on its predecessor, OCPP 2.0.1, introduced in 2019, delivered significant advancements:
OCPP 2.0.1 focused heavily on addressing security concerns, incorporating support for WebSocket Secure (WSS) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) to ensure encrypted and secure communications.
This version enabled Plug and Charge (PnC) capabilities, allowing EVs and charging stations to authenticate and authorize without requiring any physical input from the driver.
OCPP 2.0.1 elevated smart charging by providing detailed energy profiles, power limits, and charging schedules.
Operators could now access detailed diagnostic data with OCPP 2.0.1, facilitating optimal performance and quick troubleshooting.
The protocol allowed the central system to send messages for display at the charging station, improving communication with users.
There are several differences between OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0.1, with the most significant being:
OCPP 2.0.1 offers more advanced features compared to OCPP 1.6, including demand-response, load balancing, and tariff management.
OCPP 2.0.1 has an enhanced error handling mechanism, making it easier to diagnose and troubleshoot issues than in OCPP 1.6.
OCPP 2.0.1 provides stronger security features, such as TLS encryption and certificate-based authentication, which are improvements over the security measures in OCPP 1.6.
The decision between OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0.1 depends on various factors that stakeholders must consider. Security requirements are crucial, with OCPP 2.0.1 standing out due to its superior encryption and secure communication features.
OCPP’s large scale implementation can be an important step to create robust, connected and sustainable future where energy can be effectively managed to prevent overload, energy wastage and fire hazards.
In conclusion, OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is a key technology in the growth of EV charging infrastructure. It allows different charging stations and management systems to communicate smoothly, regardless of the brand. By standardizing this communication, OCPP improves security, enhances data transfer, and ensures that charging systems are future-proof and compatible with new technologies. This makes it easier for businesses to adopt EV charging solutions and provides a better, more seamless experience for users.