What is OCPP and Why Does It Matter

What OCPP Does

OCPP defines how a charger communicates with a back-end server, called a Central System or CSMS (Charging Station Management System). It handles session management, user authentication, billing, firmware updates, diagnostics, and remote commands.

When you tap an RFID card on a charger, OCPP sends an authorization request to the central system. The system checks if the card is valid, approves or denies the session, and tracks energy delivered for billing purposes. All of this happens in seconds.

OCPP 1.6 vs OCPP 2.0.1

OCPP 1.6 is the most widely deployed version. It covers the basics well but lacks features for smart charging and advanced security. OCPP 2.0.1 adds device management, improved security with TLS certificates, smart charging profiles, and ISO 15118 support for Plug and Charge.

• OCPP 1.6 uses SOAP or JSON over WebSocket
• OCPP 2.0.1 uses JSON over WebSocket exclusively
• 2.0.1 adds transaction handling improvements and better error reporting
• Smart charging profiles in 2.0.1 enable detailed power scheduling per connector

Why Vendor Lock-in is a Real Problem

Without OCPP, if you buy 50 chargers from Vendor A, you must use Vendor A's software. If their software is buggy, expensive, or the company shuts down, you are stuck. OCPP lets you swap your back-end provider without replacing hardware. This is critical for charge point operators managing hundreds or thousands of stations.

RIOD chargers support OCPP 1.6J and are being upgraded to OCPP 2.0.1, ensuring our customers are never locked into a single software platform.

OCPP in the Indian Context

India's Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) guidelines recommend OCPP compliance for subsidized charging stations. As the public charging network scales, interoperability between chargers from different manufacturers and management platforms from different operators becomes essential. OCPP is not just a technical preference; it is becoming a regulatory expectation.