The team at Sevadis provide more detail on the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), its standardisation and what this means for EV charge point installations.
The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an application protocol that enables communication between electric vehicle (EV) charge points and a smart back-office management system. Originally invented by Joury de Reuver and Franc Buve, the protocol has since been promoted globally by the Open Charge Alliance and become an industry-wide standard that allows seamless interoperability between the hardware, software, and electrified vehicles. In addition to that, it means you can change the charging network without ever having to change the original infrastructure.
Why is OCPP important to the EV industry?
Since the number of drivers making the switch has dramatically increased over the last few years, it is crucial the charging infrastructure is always accessible and available. Having an OCPP-compliant EV charge point will allow for future advancements and requirements in the industry to ensure an accessible charging experience.
As technology evolves and new features or capabilities emerge, the network will be able to complete over-the-air updates and create those changes. This ensures scalability and futureproofing of the charging infrastructure, minimising the need for costly replacements or upgrades.
What are the overall benefits of OCPP to EV drivers and CPOs?
There are several benefits that both EV drivers and charge point operators can take advantage of due to the standardisation of OCPP. Drivers will gain access to a wider charging network and be able to use EV charge points from different manufacturers and service providers. This means they will not be tied down to just one manufacturer or service provider and can even choose a preference when it comes to charging at home or in public. Communication between the charge point and vehicle will also ensure drivers benefit from a smooth and reliable charging experience.
Charge point operators will also benefit from the freedom to choose from a range of hardware and software providers. Again, this will be futureproofed due to the open protocol having the ability to update as/when new features or regulations are introduced which will maximise the initial investment.
The standardised communication provided by OCPP simplifies the management and control of EV charge points, meaning CPOs can benefit from remotely monitoring every charging activity which will reduce maintenance costs and improve the overall operational efficiency.
What are the benefits of OCPP to installers?
Installers aren’t limited to a certain brand or supplier thanks to OCPPs compatibility. This means they can offer customers a wider range of EV charging solutions, increasing profits and customer satisfaction. Benefits for installers also include scalability, remote management capabilities, data access and future-proofing. These benefits contribute to more efficient installation processes and the ability to build and manage charging infrastructure networks effectively.
Get more details about the Sevadis range of EV charge point equipment here
