What is OCPP?
OCPP is the shared language spoken between open EV chargers and charging station management systems (CSMS). Not all EV chargers and management softwares support OCPP, but systems that do enjoy a wide range of benefits.
The operating system for EV charging
Use ChargeLab's CSMS to connect and control all your EV infrastructure from one central hub. Manage revenue, users, energy output, and so much more.
How it works
A shared language for EV chargers & their software
The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open-source communication protocol for networked electric vehicle chargers. The vision of OCPP is to make any EV charger work with any charger management software, even if the charger manufacturer and software developer have never met and are building their products on the opposite side of the world.
Open-source
Anyone can access & contribute to the protocol.
Neutral
OCPP does not favor any EV chargers or software over others.
Free to use
There is no cost for industry stakeholders to adopt OCPP.
Evolving
OCPP is constantly being updated. Version 2.0.1 was released December 2019.
Who's involved
Introducing the Open Charge Alliance
The Open Charge Alliance (OCA) is a global consortium of public and private EV infrastructure leaders that have come together to promote open standards. The OCA writes and publishes Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP).
While the OCA was formed in 2014, the history of OCPP goes all the way back to 2009. Below is a brief history of OCPP milestones.
ChargeLab's involvement
Early adopter & evangelist
Our software platform strictly adheres to OCPP protocols, and we have helped nearly a dozen EV charger manufacturers improve their OCPP compliance through our OCPP Bootcamp.
ChargeLab was one of the first 50 members of the OCA and the first private Canadian company to join the alliance back in 2017. The OCA is now nearly 200 members strong.
Below is an illustration of how ChargeLab uses the Open Charge Point Protocol to network EV chargers manufactured a variety of partners.
Why OCPP?
Open standards are key to pushing the clean energy industry forward and making EV chargers more affordable, accessible, and flexible.
Businesses, governments, and utilities who plan to deploy large numbers of EV chargers have the most to gain from OCPP. Open standards greatly increase choice when picking EV chargers and software services. They also reduce the risk of stranded assets and help drive innovation.
Mix & match hardware
Connect a diverse range of EV chargers on a single software platform using OCPP.
Standardization
With broad OCPP adoption, worries about EV charger compatibility will be reduced.
Increased competition
The ability to choose between dozens of hardware & software providers drives down costs.
More flexibility
Open standards put the power to choose back in the hands of customers.
Put OCPP in your RFP
For specific language and best practices for adding OCPP-compliance to your upcoming request for proposals, contact our team.
Use ChargeLab as your OCPP software provider
We provide end-to-end solutions that are fully OCPP compliant. Contact us today to find out more.
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