What is OCPP? OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1 for charging stations

Short answer: OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is the open communication standard between charging stations and the central software that manages them (charge point management system, CPMS). An OCPP charger can connect to any OCPP-compatible management system regardless of brand; user authorisation, billing, remote start/stop and reporting all run over this protocol.

What does OCPP do?

User authorisation: decides who can charge, with an RFID card or an app.
Billing and reporting: the energy and duration of every session are recorded centrally.
Remote management: start/stop, power limits, firmware updates and fault monitoring.
Vendor independence: the charger and software can come from different companies; changing software doesn't mean changing hardware.

OCPP 1.6 vs 2.0.1

OCPP 1.6 (and the JSON-based 1.6J) is the most widespread version today, used by most home, residential and workplace chargers. OCPP 2.0.1 adds stronger security, smart charging and device management, and is increasingly used in public and large-scale networks. Bemis DC fast chargers support both versions; the Charger Plus 2 and Pro 2 wallboxes support OCPP 1.6.

Do you need OCPP at home?

For a single-user home, OCPP isn't necessary; the charger's own app is enough. For residential sites, apartment blocks, hotels, workplaces and fleets, an OCPP charger is needed to authorise users individually and allocate consumption. Businesses that want to offer paid charging connect their chargers to a licensed charging network operator via OCPP.

Frequently asked questions

What is OCPP?

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is the open standard charging stations use to communicate with central management software; authorisation, billing and remote management run over it.

OCPP 1.6 or 2.0.1?

OCPP 1.6 is the most common version and works with most management systems. 2.0.1 offers stronger security and smart charging and is preferred in large and public networks.

Does a home charger need OCPP?

Not in a single-user home. For residential sites, workplaces and shared car parks, an OCPP charger is recommended for user management and consumption sharing.