An OCPP EV Charger means the EV charger that support OCPP protocol. “OCPP” stands for Open Charge Point Protocol. OCPP like a common languge between EV chargers and CMS, it standardizes the interaction processes and data formats, enabling EV charger to communicate with operation platforms from different vendors.
OCPP is a bidirectional communication protocol between EVSE and CMS, standardizing how operational data—such as device status, charging transactions, and maintenance control commands—is exchanged, as well as defining the interaction workflows and communication procedures between the two systems.
| Category | OCPP Message | Data Content | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device Status | StatusNotification | Available / Charging / Faulted | Charging point / connector state changes |
| Transaction Data | StartTransaction / StopTransaction | session info, idTag, meter start/end values | Charging session lifecycle |
| Metering Data | MeterValues | voltage, current, power, energy | Periodic or event-triggered reporting |
| Heartbeat | Heartbeat | no business payload | Keep-alive / online status detection |
| Diagnostics | DiagnosticsStatusNotification / GetDiagnostics | logs, diagnostic results | Maintenance and troubleshooting |
| Category | OCPP Message | Control Content | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote Control | RemoteStartTransaction / RemoteStopTransaction | start or stop charging session | Remote session management |
| Device Control | Reset / UnlockConnector | reboot device / unlock connector | Maintenance operations |
| Charging Profile | SetChargingProfile | power/current/time constraints | Smart charging control |
| Firmware Management | UpdateFirmware | firmware download URL + execution command | OTA update trigger |
| Reservation | ReserveNow / CancelReservation | charger reservation | Resource scheduling |
| Year | Version | Key Development |
| 2009 | OCPP 1.0 | Initial release by ElaadNL (Netherlands) |
| 2014 | OCA Founded | Open Charge Alliance takes over protocol governance |
| 2015 | OCPP 1.6 | JSON WebSocket support; becomes industry benchmark |
| 2018 | OCPP 2.0 | Major rewrite with device model and Plug & Charge |
| 2020 | OCPP 2.0.1 | Security hardening, ISO 15118 integration, unified transactions |
| 2024 | IEC 63584 | OCPP 2.0.1 ratified as international IEC standard |
| 2025 | OCPP 2.1 | V2G support, DER integration, IEC 63584-210 standardization |
OCPP Version History and Key Milestones (Sources: Open Charge Alliance, IEC, CENELEC)
Still the most widely deployed version globally. 1.6J (JSON over WebSocket) handles basic transactions, remote commands, and simple smart charging profiles. But it lacks native ISO 15118 support, device management is limited, and security relies on optional TLS — a gap that regulators increasingly reject.
This is where modern networks should land. Three security profiles with mandatory TLS. Unified TransactionEvent messaging that replaces 1.6’s fragmented flow. Native Plug & Charge support via ISO 15118-2. Advanced smart charging with external EMS input. And full device management for remote diagnostics and firmware orchestration.
Released in 2025 and standardized shortly after, 2.1 adds bidirectional charging (V2G), DER integration via IEEE 2030.5, structured tariffs aligned with OCPI/OICP roaming protocols, and prepaid payment support. Crucially, it’s backward-compatible with 2.0.1 — so upgrading doesn’t require a ground-up rebuild.
Can I mix OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1 chargers on the same network?
Yes, but your CSMS must support both protocols simultaneously. Most modern management platforms handle mixed fleets. Plan your migration toward 2.0.1 or 2.1 for new installations — 1.6 is adequate for legacy hardware but increasingly excluded from public tenders referencing IEC 63584.
Not universally — but practically yes. The EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) mandates interoperability, and OCPP certification is the recognized proof. Germany’s Eichrecht requires calibrated metering. France’s AFIR decree explicitly references OCA-certified equipment. Without certification, you’re locked out of most public funding and roaming agreements.
OCPP 1.6 systems can be upgraded to newer versions like OCPP 2.0.1, but it depends on the charger hardware and firmware support.
Need help selecting OCPP-certified hardware for your European deployment? Contact our team for vendor-agnostic guidance tailored to your network size and regulatory requirements.
Xinya Dongfang Electricity Technology Co., Ltd.
