Why OCPP Software Matters

As a variety of companies and manufacturers enter the commercial EV charging space, it has become more important for charging station hardware to be compatible with a variety of software. A framework known as Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is a communication standard that allows charging stations to be configured and reconfigured to work with new electricity providers instead of being locked in at installation to a given network.

What is OCPP Software?

OCPP software was created in 2009 and became a core functionality and commitment of the Open Charge Alliance when the writing was already on the wall that, with people investing significant money into charger software, these chargers would need to be flexible to operate, not tied into a single system that might make them defunct if that company went out of business or changed focus.

Their designed protocol allowed EV chargers to operate flexibly and talk to other EV chargers and centralized management systems, even if different companies operated them. The OCPP software boosts interoperability, which is the ability to work with various charging networks on the same EV charging hardware.

The heart of OCPP software is code that affects how a charger communicates with charging management systems. This information makes the chargers easier to manage remotely, creating remote authorization and smart charging options. For instance, EV users often use an app on their phones to see which stations are open and available and how much charging costs. This communication code is present for each charger, relaying real-time updates on whether it is occupied or available.

Other protocols, like the OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface), benefit EV customers who want to charge at various chargers and not be tied to only one charging network. Also, OCPP itself is updated over time, with manufacturers about to transition from OCPP 1.6 to OCPP 2.0. As new metrics and data become useful to charging network operators, the software evolves to communicate more distinct data.

If an EV charger is only coded and hardwired to communicate with one central charging management system, it is out of compliance with OCPP. Luckily, most charging applications recognize the value of interoperability, and it has become the go-to standard. However, when installing a new EV charging station or set of stations, protecting this standard and choosing chargers with OCPP software should be a focus.

Benefits of OCPP Based Systems

Competition in the Market

When a non-OCPP-compliant charging station is installed, the incentive to operate well while keeping fees minimal for the network is low. After all, you invested a lot to get the charging stations up and running, and you don't want to buy a whole new machine to participate in other networks. Certainly, there are high-quality providers with non-OCPP-compliant charging stations, but the barriers to transitioning to different network providers are so high that the competitive edge isn't there.

On the other hand, OCPP-compliant charging stations are essentially network-flexible: you can stick with the network that is associated with the branding of the charging station, but you can also easily switch to any other OCPP-compliant network if you want better service, better fees, or a better interface for your customers to use. Companies that offer OCPP-compliant hardware and software are more likely to thrive when more businesses and individuals choose them, so every choice breeds more freedom and more choice.

Realistically, not every network and hardware manufacturer will stay in business or choose to keep maintaining their software at a top standard. The flexibility for interoperability also protects the user, ensuring they can keep using the EV charging system even if that particular company goes in a different direction.

More Flexible Installation and Maintenance Experience

Realistically, EV chargers are part of a web of relationships: usually, there is a manufacturer, an installer, and possibly a separate company that maintains the chargers, the site location owner, and the charging network they use. Site owners deserve to invest in hardware, knowing they aren't locked into a charging network that might eventually not serve them. They can also benefit from innovation that comes from the competition. Site owners with EV chargers on their property have a more flexible long-term process and can steward their charging stations with OCPP in place. They can pursue the security features, services, and pricing that work for them.

Finally, OCPP's latest version is crucial to the NEVI, or National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. This vital funding source hopes to reduce national emissions and meet long-term goals by creating a flexible, scalable, and non-siloed infrastructure for EV users.

How PowerFlex Can Support Your OCPP Needs

PowerFlex manages the fourth-largest charging network in the country, with more than 32,000 chargers under management. Our service and the intelligent power management we implement on the back end deliver the value that retains our customers from the initial design of their EV charging systems through installation and long-term maintenance.

The OCPP infrastructure makes it possible for PowerFlex to manage numerous electric vehicle charging systems from different manufacturers under the same high-quality charging network - we are a more streamlined company as a result because we aren't re-inventing the wheel every time a new popular make or model of charger comes on the market. This system benefits our customers and helps us simultaneously be on the front edge of EV charging innovation through the EV charging station design process.

Interoperability: Why OCPP Compliance Matters

Realistically, EV charging is so new to many businesses that they may not prioritize OCPP compliance if they haven't understood its value to the wider EV charging ecosystem. PowerFlex works with customers to design, build, and maintain great EV charging systems and inform you about the issues affecting you as a clean energy leader. Get in touch today to work on a design that fits your needs and uses OCPP-compliant EV charging hardware and software.