What Is OCPP?

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is a standard, open-source set of rules. It directs the communication between two parts of the charging system. The first part is the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), also called a charging station. 

The second part is a central software platform, which is known as a Charging Station Management System (CSMS). In other words, it gives a universal language. This language lets the physical hardware and the backend software talk to each other well. This works no matter who manufactured either part.

The protocol is set up to solve a key strategic problem: avoiding vendor lock-in. Vendor lock-in is expensive and can be a huge financial risk, leading to what is known as stranded assets. 

How OCPP Works from EV Chargers to Backend Systems

OCPP is set up with a client-server architecture. In this arrangement, the physical charging station acts as the client. 

1. The backend software platform, or CSMS, functions as the server. The charger is responsible for starting a communication link to the CSMS. It must also keep this link active. This link is constant and goes two ways. It is usually carried out with WebSockets over a secure, encrypted connection (wss://).
   
2. This design has a big implication. The charger starts the connection, but the network's intelligence is located in the centralized CSMS. All of the business logic, user data, pricing rules, and smart charging algorithms are kept in the management software.
   
3. This means a charging network's quality is defined by the software it connects to, not the individual chargers. This setup allows for strong centralized management.
   
4. However, it also creates a key dependency on a good network connection. If a charger loses its connection, its smart functions are lost.
   
5. In some cases, it might stop working altogether. This makes the stability of the connection very important. The security of the central system is also very important, as a security breach at the CSMS could affect a whole network of chargers.
   

Why OCPP Matters in the EV Charging Ecosystem

OCPP is more than just a technical standard. It is a strategic piece that supports the economic health and competitiveness of the EV charging world. 

• Its biggest contribution is the economic freedom it creates. It does this by preventing vendor lock-in. In a market without open standards, a property owner who invests in charging stations gets locked into a proprietary system.
  
• In that case, their hardware will only work with the software from that one manufacturer.
  
• OCPP does away with this model. It makes sure that any compliant charger can talk to any compliant management system. This gives the asset owner the power of choice. As a result, a Charge Point Operator (CPO) can put money into hardware knowing their investment is protected for the future.
  
• For instance, if their current CSMS provider raises fees, gives poor service, or closes down, the CPO can switch over to a different provider. They can do this without having to rip out and replace all their expensive hardware.

Understanding OCPP Versions: From 1.6 to 2.0.1 to the Latest 2.1

The protocol has evolved over the years. Because of this, the industry now works with multiple versions. Each one comes with different features and limits.

1. OCPP 1.6-J

This version came out in 2015. The JSON version of OCPP 1.6 is the most widely used around the world. In fact, it is the foundation of most existing charging networks today. It introduced some basic smart charging features.

These allowed for simple load balancing and scheduled charging. However, its security features were optional. It also does not have built-in support for newer functions like Plug & Charge or Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G).

2. OCPP 2.0.1

Introduced in 2020, this version was a complete redesign. It was put together to deal with the weaknesses of 1.6. It is not backward-compatible with 1.6. This creates a big migration challenge for the industry. Its new features include the Device Model for getting detailed remote diagnostics.

It also has advanced, built-in security that uses modern encryption and a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework. In addition, it has native support for ISO 15118. This makes a true Plug & Charge experience possible.

3. OCPP 2.1

This version was released in January 2025. OCPP 2.1 is an evolutionary update that is fully backward-compatible with 2.0.1. This allows for a much smoother transition process. Its main feature is full support for V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), including V2G.

This allows EVs to send power back to the grid. It also adds controls for Distributed Energy Resources (DER). This lets chargers connect with local energy systems like solar panels and batteries.

Is Your EV Charging Product OCPP-Certified? Here’s Why It Builds Trust

In the EV charging market, there is an important difference between a product being OCPP-compliant and being officially OCPP-certified. The Open Charge Alliance (OCA) runs a formal certification program. 

• This program gives an unbiased, third-party guarantee that a product follows the OCPP rules correctly. The testing is not carried out by the vendor itself. Instead, it is performed by well-known independent labs like DEKRA and DNV.
  
• This third-party validation gets rid of any potential for bias. It also produces results that people can trust.
  
• The main point of certification is to give a solid promise of interoperability. For example, when a CPO buys a certified charger and a certified CSMS, they can be highly confident the two products will work together right away.
  
• This is a key way to build up trust. It also acts as a form of due diligence for anyone making large purchasing decisions. It gives a baseline guarantee that the technology is sound and follows the global standard.
  
• This is needed to stay away from misleading practices where vendors might create hidden dependencies while claiming they are compliant. Official certification is the best way to guard against these actions.

How Entrans Solves Complex OCPP Challenges for EV Tech Companies

Using OCPP in the real world means getting past some technical difficulties. These difficulties are related to reliability, security, and fleet management. A high-quality CSMS provider like Entrans delivers strong solutions to these real-world problems. 

OCPP 1.6 to OCPP 2.0.1 Migration

• A major challenge for EV charger equipment suppliers is the transition from OCPP 1.6 to the more advanced 2.0.1 protocol.
  
• This is not just a simple firmware update; it involves a complex system migration and requires passing rigorous official certification tests, which is especially critical for high-powered DC fast chargers.
  
• Entrans solves this go-to-market problem by providing a comprehensive migration service. This partnership removes a significant development bottleneck, allowing suppliers to launch certified, next-generation chargers quickly and confidently. View the complete case study →

Offline Charging for EV Tech Companies Enabled Through Bluetooth

• Furthermore, another key issue suppliers face is enabling charging in locations with poor or nonexistent internet, such as underground parking or remote areas.
  
• A standard connected charger becomes unusable in these scenarios, which severely limits the hardware's marketability and placement opportunities.
  
• Entrans directly addresses this with a sophisticated offline charging solution that utilizes Bluetooth and a dedicated mobile application. This system enables the charger to securely verify the user via their smartphone, authorize the session, and record the transaction locally.
  
• The payment is simply deducted later once either the user's phone or the charger re-establishes an internet connection, ensuring a seamless experience.
  
• As a result, suppliers can offer a premium, reliable charging service anywhere, significantly expanding their product's appeal and use cases. View the complete case study →

Key Benefits of OCPP for OEMs, Charging Operators, and End Users

Open Charge Point Protocol produces a series of connected benefits. These benefits are felt at all levels of the EV charging value chain.

I. For Charge Point Operators (CPOs)

The greatest advantage is the freedom to choose hardware from different OEMs. CPOs can pick out the best charger for each specific location or need. They are not tied to one vendor's full system. 

This protects their money. It also makes operations more efficient. For example, operators can carry out remote monitoring, reboots, and firmware updates. This greatly lowers the need for expensive on-site maintenance visits.

II.  For Hardware Manufacturers (OEMs)

Creating an OCPP-compliant product greatly expands a manufacturer's potential market. They can then sell their chargers to any CPO, no matter what software backend the CPO decides to use. 

This lets OEMs put their energy into their main skill: engineering new and reliable hardware. They can leave the complexities of cloud software to specialized software companies.

III. For End Users (EV Drivers)

EV drivers are the final beneficiaries of the protocol. Interoperability leads to a more dependable and consistent charging experience. This directly helps with the common user problem of charger unreliability. 

It also makes roaming possible. Roaming lets drivers use one account to charge up across many different networks. This is very important for making long-distance EV travel much easier.

Technical Challenges in OCPP Implementation and How Entrans Addresses Them

Despite its good points, using Open Charge Point Protocol presents large technical difficulties. A high-quality CSMS like Entrans is designed to sort out these issues.

• One of the most important difficulties is cybersecurity. Weak spots, particularly in the widely used OCPP 1.6, have been well documented.
  
• These include Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks. In these attacks, an attacker can get in the middle of communication to steal data or send bad commands. They also include Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, which can take chargers offline.
  
• Entrans deals with this by supplying a security-first platform. It fully uses the strict security profiles of OCPP 2.x. This includes required encryption and a strong Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for authentication.
  
• The platform is also protected with extra security layers like a Web Application Firewall (WAF). These layers help stop attacks.

The migration from 1.6 to 2.x is another big obstacle. CPOs face the expensive choice of replacing their old fleet or running two different backend systems. Entrans supplies a fitting solution to this by migrating your entire infrastructure.

OCPP 2.1 Is Here: What’s New and How to Stay Future-Ready

• The release of OCPP 2.1 in January 2025 signals a major change. It moves the EV charger from being a passive user of electricity to an active, grid-connected energy device. Its main theme is the deep connection of EV charging with the wider energy system.
  
• The most important feature is its full support for V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything). This is managed through a special functional block and matches the ISO 15118-20 standard.
  
• This makes Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) possible. V2G allows a CSMS to command an EV to send power back to the grid. This can create new kinds of revenue for CPOs.
  
• The strategic path to this future is clear. It is also less disruptive than the last major version change. This is because 2.1 is backward-compatible with 2.0.1. So, operators do not have to replace all their hardware.
  
• The immediate priority should be to move to Open Charge Point Protocol 2.0.1 for all new projects. Using 2.0.1 now gives immediate security and management benefits. It also builds the necessary technical foundation for the V2X features of 2.1.

Why Leading EV Companies Choose Entrans for OCPP Solutions

While the Open Charge Point Protocol gives the standard language, the Charge Point Management System (CSMS) acts as the intelligence. It turns the protocol's power into real business value.

A top-tier CSMS like Entrans takes away the protocol's complexity. It gives CPOs simple, powerful tools to manage their network and maximize their revenue.

By supporting the latest 2.1 features, Entrans helps companies protect their hardware investments for the future.

Want to see how Entrans can help you with your OCPP implementation? Reach out for a free consultation.