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. （Download OCPP official specifications ）
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)
| Version | Overview |
|---|---|
| OCPP 1.6J | Still widely deployed and suitable for standard transaction management, remote control and basic smart charging. |
| OCPP 2.0.1 | A newer version with enhanced security, Adoption is growing, but it is not yet as widely deployed as OCPP 1.6J. |
| OCPP 2.1 | The latest version, adding ISO 15118-20, but should currently be regarded as an emerging option rather than a widely deployed standard. |
Not sure which OCPP version is right for your project? Read our OCPP version comparison guide.
Choosing an OCPP EV charger involves more than checking whether “OCPP” appears in the specification.
If the project does not have an independent backend system or only uses the manufacturer’s own management platform, OCPP is usually not essential. However, if you want to avoid being locked into a single platform, an OCPP-enabled EV charger is worth considering.
“Supports OCPP” does not necessarily mean that the charger is compatible with every CSMS. Before purchasing, provide the manufacturer with temporary access to your CSMS for testing. Actual connection testing is more effective than reviewing documentation alone in identifying compatibility issues.
OCPP support is generally verified through manufacturer self-testing, third-party laboratory testing, or OCA certification. Manufacturer self-testing is usually sufficient for standard projects. If the project has specific compliance requirements, third-party testing or official OCA certification may be required.
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.
OCPP EV Charger Support
Tell us your required OCPP version and CSMS platform. XYDF can connect the charger to your CSMS for compatibility testing before deployment.
Xinya Dongfang Electricity Technology Co., Ltd.
