A commercial EV charger is only as useful as the software that manages it. Operators need to start and stop sessions remotely, authorize RFID cards, bill drivers, update firmware and see faults before customers complain. The Open Charge Point Protocol, OCPP, is the open standard that lets chargers from one manufacturer talk to management software from another.
What OCPP Does
OCPP is published by the Open Charge Alliance and defines the messages exchanged between a charging station and a central management system (CSMS). Typical functions include:
- Remote start and stop of charging sessions
- Authorization of RFID cards and app users
- Meter values for billing and energy reporting
- Status and fault notifications
- Remote configuration, reset and firmware updates
- Smart charging profiles that cap power at certain times
OCPP 1.6J vs 2.0.1
| OCPP 1.6J | OCPP 2.0.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | The most widely deployed version today | Newer version, also published as IEC 63584 |
| Transport | JSON over WebSockets | JSON over WebSockets |
| Security | Security profiles added via later extensions | Built-in security profiles and certificate management |
| Device management | Basic configuration keys | Richer device model and monitoring |
| Plug and Charge | Not native | Supports ISO 15118 integration |
Most operators today still run large OCPP 1.6J fleets, so 1.6J support remains the baseline requirement for AC chargers in commercial projects.
Why OCPP Matters to Buyers
Without an open protocol, a site owner is locked into one vendor’s software for the life of the hardware. With OCPP, an operator can switch management platforms, combine chargers from several manufacturers on one system, or hand a site to a new operator. That flexibility is increasingly important as the market consolidates and operators acquire each other’s networks.
Hardware Checklist for OCPP Projects
- Which OCPP version is supported, and has it been tested with your target CSMS?
- Which connectivity options are available: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, 4G?
- Does the charger store sessions offline and upload them when connectivity returns?
- Are RFID and app authorization supported locally?
- Can firmware be updated remotely over OCPP?
EVDANCE commercial stations such as the EV-AC03201T 43 kW dual-gun charger support OCPP 1.6J over 4G, Wi-Fi or Ethernet, with RFID and app authentication. For site planning, see our commercial EV charging solutions.
Related Reading
- OEM and Private-Label EV Chargers: A Complete Guide for Brands
- Adding EV Chargers to a Building: Load Calculation Basics
- EV Charging for Restaurants and Retail: Turning Dwell Time Into Visits
- EV Charging News: Indonesia Speeds Up Charging Station Expansion
Key Takeaways
- OCPP is the open protocol between chargers and charge point management software.
- OCPP 1.6J is the most widely deployed version; OCPP 2.0.1 adds stronger security and device management.
- OCPP support prevents vendor lock-in and lets operators mix hardware and switch platforms.
- Check OCPP version, connectivity, offline behaviour and remote firmware updates before buying.
Sources & Standards
- Open Charge Alliance — Open Charge Point Protocol
- IEC 63584 — Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP 2.0.1)
- ISO 15118 — Vehicle-to-grid communication interface
