OCPP Meaning: Why It's Vital for EV Chargers
OCPP is a familiar term for those in the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry, with a growing number of charger manufacturers looking to adopt this. But what does OCPP actually mean? Let's break it down, from the basics to the finer details.
OCCP stands for Open Charge Point Protocol. It’s a shared language between charge points themselves and a central server that would control them. It’s “Open” as it has been developed by a group of companies in the industry in joint collaboration, and is available to anyone without charge. This collaboration in itself is notable, including a mix of hardware manufacturers and Charge Point Management System developers like Clenergy EV.
This open nature means it’s been widely adopted across the EV industry - and it has ensured a straightforward and seamless connection of charging stations through this shared communication protocol.
OCPP in EV charging: why do we use it?
The UK electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing a surge in demand, with over 1 million currently on the road in the UK alone and growing. This shift has led to a rapid need for EV charging infrastructure, and with that EV installations - especially for commercial use cases. Getting this right is key to enabling the growth in EVs, as without it, drivers cannot charge their vehicles.
As the need for charge point hardware grows, more and more players are entering the UK market - and they are almost entirely using the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). But why?
Well, without a single shared language for communication between software and hardware, software platforms are unable to send data and signals between one one another. That means no tracking energy usage on an app or platform, and even worse, no remote commands (eg. start/stop a charge) whatsoever.
The Advantages of OCPP Software
Let's take a look at these advantages in more detail:
Flexibility and Choice
OCPP software offers consumers flexibility and choice. It can be used across different hardware manufacturers, meaning users are not locked into one supplier and can choose the best charge points for their needs. This is like using multiple wholesalers - sometimes a unit is out of stock, and it’s better to keep options open instead of only using one supplier.
Keeping Pace with Innovation
As EV charging technology accelerates, new models of charging stations are continually being introduced. The majority of new innovations are going to be pushed through this communication protocol. For example, OCPP 2.0.1, has ISO 15118 Plug and Charge functionality. Having a familiar and seamless OCPP software for the growing number of compatible hardware puts you one step ahead.
Effective Management with CPMS
OCPP compliant EV chargers can be managed effectively with a Charge Point Management System (CPMS) through a trusted platform like Clenergy EV. This is essential for setting tariff ratings and enabling EV drivers to pay at the point of use. This is particularly important in a commercial environment, whether the end client is looking to monetize the chargers or make them available for private access only.
Competitive and Savvy Solutions
OCPP compliant solutions are competitive and savvy - they have to be to survive in a growing marketplace. They understand that users have the power to choose - and if they don’t give a good service, they could see a client choose a different product for their next project. They have to offer the most feature-rich, user-friendly, and cost-effective solutions. With the ability to change your network at any time, the market becomes more competitively priced, ensuring you never get held captive by a single provider.
How to check a charger is OCPP Compliant
If in doubt, you check if a charger is OCPP compliant by referring to a data sheet or simply asking the manufacturer. The Open Charge Alliance (OCA), the body responsible for OCPP, is available to anyone within the EV industry to join. It allows members to have an input into the development of OCPP and share best practices.
However any company can follow the OCPP with its hardware or software - it’s open by its nature.
Some hardware products are also certified against specific criteria by the OCA - and this can be checked on the OCA website. If the charger you're considering is included in this list, it signifies that it has officially received certification.
Ready to leverage OCPP software for your EV charging needs? Get in touch with our experts today!
Popular OCPP EV Charger Brands
At Clenergy EV, we work with a number of popular EV charging brands to make sure their products are OCPP-approved. If not, we wouldn't be able to install our software onto them - so who better to ask which brands are reliable? A comprehensive (but not full) list of compatible chargers can be found here, or summarised below:
A global company providing a comprehensive range of electrical devices - including EV charging solutions. Their offerings include compact, high-quality AC wallboxes right through to ultra rapid DC charging stations.
Manufacturer of multiple chargers for every use case, the Autel product line includes the MaxiCharger AC Wallbox, MaxiCharger DC Compact, and MaxiCharger DC Fast, among others. You’ve probably used one of these without realising it.
Want a sleek, smart EV charging unit from Norway? Look no further than Easee. Their AC chargers are compatible with all types of vehicles and are mostly aimed at the residential market place.
EO EV Chargers, a UK-based company, provides sleek, reliable charging stations for homes and businesses. Their minimalist design and advanced connectivity ensures a good charging experience.
Evolo is a Deta Brand, one of the most recognisable electrical companies in the UK. They offer a separate charging unit suitable for both home and business settings. Their chargers are compatible with all EV vehicles, with a range of 7.4-22kW AC products.
Hydra EVC charge points are affordably priced, offering exceptional value without compromising on features, making them an ideal investment for both personal and commercial use.
A leading manufacturer of outdoor electrical equipment in the UK, offering a range of smart AC and DC rapid chargers suitable for all locations. You’ll find Rolec’s stocked at almost every electrical wholesaler in the UK.
Star Charge, based in China, offers cutting-edge EV charging solutions for various settings, featuring sleek designs and advanced smart features for user-friendly EV charging.
Teltonika is a Lithuania-based leader in IoT and networking solutions, known for their high-quality, robust devices, and data management for a wide range of industries, from transportation to industrial automation.
That's all for our quick guide on all things OCPP! It's a topic that matters a lot to us, forming one of the key foundations of our business principles, so we hope you've found it interesting!
If so, feel free to check out some of our other helpful tips and guides to help you navigate the often confusing and always interesting world of EV.
