When looking at EV charging stations, you’re sure to have seen the terms “Open Charge Point Protocol,” “OCPP” or “non-networked” used to describe a system. But what exactly is OCPP?
An Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) charging station doesn’t require using a specific network to work and it can be networked through any available provider in your area or through your utilities company. EvoCharge’s iEVSE and iEVSE Plus charging stations are both true OCPP units that allow you to connect through network partners.
Benefits of OCPP
The biggest benefit of true OCPP is that you are in control of selecting the network or managing the connection to your charging stations. Unlike non-OCPP systems or those that are not true OCPP, a true OCPP charging station allows you to choose a local network provider or change that provider. This is especially handy as EV networks grow and new providers become available or cease to exist; the worst thing that could happen is that the network that your charging station is connected to goes out of business and it’s no longer usable because it could only be configured through that network. With a true OCPP station, it can be configured with a new network even if the network you’re connected to goes out of business.
For those buying an OCPP unit for their personal use at home, the benefit would be having the ability to not only control your unit through a network, but it can be connected to your local utility if they have an EV program. Oftentimes, these programs can help you save money and can qualify you for tax incentives and rebates.
For commercial properties, the advantages go even further. On top of allowing you to control the units through a network and connect to your local utility, an OCPP unit and network allows you to control who can use your charger at what times, and can enable payment through the unit (RFID payment is available with the iEVSE Plus charging station).
How Does EvoCharge’s True OCPP Work?
When you purchase an EvoCharge iEVSE (available for home and commercial use) or iEVSE Plus (commercial use only) EV charging station, you have the option to buy a unit that is already configured to a network partner or non-configured.
Is OCPP Standard?
While the Open Charge Alliance—an international standards organization—is working to develop protocols for OCPP, units are not required to be OCPP, nor do they need to be true OCPP systems.
OCPP Networks and EvoCharge
If you’re looking for a true OCPP-compliant EV charging station, look no further than EvoCharge’s iEVSE or iEVSE Plus units. EvoCharge connected stations are OCPP 1.6-compliant, putting the choice of networks in your hands.