OCPP 1.6 or OCPP 2.0.1
The electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by the global shift towards electrification and sustainability in transportation. At the heart of this infrastructure is the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), a communication standard that allows interoperability between EV chargers (charge points) and back-end systems (central management systems). Among the various versions of OCPP, version 1.6 continues to be the dominant trend, while OCPP 2.0.1, despite its enhanced features, is not yet the mainstream.In this article, we will explore why OCPP 1.6 remains the leading protocol in the industry, the key features that OCPP 2.0.1 brings to the table, and the factors holding back the broader adoption of the newer version.
▶ What is OCPP?
The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open-source protocol developed by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA) to standardize communication between EV charging stations and central management systems, ensuring interoperability and flexibility for charging networks. OCPP allows different manufacturers’ chargers to communicate seamlessly with different back-end systems, preventing vendor lock-in and promoting an open ecosystem.Since its introduction, several versions of OCPP have been developed, with OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0.1 being the most widely discussed versions.
▶ OCPP 1.6: The Current Mainstream Standard
Key Features of OCPP 1.6:
Released in 2015, OCPP 1.6 introduced several important features that have made it the current industry standard:
1. WebSocket Communication: One of the major upgrades in OCPP 1.6 was the introduction of WebSocket communication. This enabled real-time, two-way communication between charge points and central systems, allowing for faster and more reliable data transmission compared to the older HTTP-based polling system used in OCPP 1.5.
2. Smart Charging: OCPP 1.6 also introduced support for smart charging, allowing for better load management and the ability to balance EV charging demand with grid capacity. This feature is particularly important as the number of EVs on the road continues to grow.
3. Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics: The protocol supports remote monitoring, diagnostics, and firmware updates, allowing operators to manage charging stations efficiently without needing to be physically present at the charging site.
4. Security: OCPP 1.6 includes basic security mechanisms such as message signing and integrity checks, though these are more limited compared to later versions.
5. Widespread Adoption: Since OCPP 1.6 has been in the market for several years, it has gained widespread acceptance in the industry. Manufacturers, operators, and network providers have embraced it as the “gold standard” for EV charging communication, leading to a vast ecosystem of compatible products and services.
Why OCPP 1.6 is Still the Main Trend:
Maturity and Stability: OCPP 1.6 is a tried-and-tested protocol that has been implemented in thousands of charging stations worldwide. Its reliability, coupled with broad industry familiarity, makes it the go-to choice for many operators.
Interoperability: With so many charge points and back-end systems already operating on OCPP 1.6, there is a natural momentum keeping this version as the preferred choice. Operators are hesitant to move to a newer version when they can rely on the existing ecosystem, which already provides high levels of interoperability.
Cost and Time Efficiency: Upgrading to OCPP 2.0.1 would require significant investments in both time and money. Many organizations prefer to stick with OCPP 1.6, which meets their current operational needs, rather than incur the costs of upgrading hardware, software, and retraining staff.
▶ OCPP 2.0.1: The Future, But Not Yet Mainstream
Key Features of OCPP 2.0.1:
OCPP 2.0.1, released in 2020, represents a significant leap forward in terms of functionality, flexibility, and security. Here are some of the most notable features:
1. Enhanced Security: OCPP 2.0.1 introduces advanced security features such as Transport Layer Security (TLS), message encryption, and improved authentication mechanisms, which are critical for protecting sensitive data and ensuring the integrity of the charging infrastructure in an increasingly connected world.
2. Enhanced Smart Charging: While OCPP 1.6 supports basic smart charging, OCPP 2.0.1 takes it a step further with more granular control over charging sessions, allowing for dynamic load balancing, energy management, and greater integration with renewable energy sources.
3. Device Management: OCPP 2.0.1 improves device management functionality, enabling operators to manage peripherals (e.g., card readers, displays) more effectively through a more comprehensive device model.
4. Better User Interaction: The newer protocol provides better support for user interaction, including richer messaging, reservation management, and more complex billing and pricing models, which can enhance the user experience at charging stations.
5. Support for ISO 15118: One of the key advancements in OCPP 2.0.1 is its support for the ISO 15118 standard, which allows for advanced vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication, enabling vehicles to not only charge but also discharge energy back to the grid. This is seen as a crucial feature for future EV-grid integration.
Why OCPP 2.0.1 Hasn’t Gained Mainstream Adoption Yet:
Complexity and Implementation Costs: OCPP 2.0.1 introduces a higher level of complexity compared to OCPP 1.6. Implementing the enhanced features requires significant changes to both hardware and software. Many operators, especially smaller ones, may not yet be ready to make these investments.
Backward Compatibility: OCPP 2.0.1 is not fully backward-compatible with OCPP 1.6, meaning that operators with existing OCPP 1.6 infrastructure would need to upgrade their systems to take advantage of the new features. This is a major hurdle for operators who already have extensive OCPP 1.6 deployments.
Market Readiness: The transition to a new protocol takes time. Many manufacturers and network providers are still in the process of developing and testing OCPP 2.0.1-compatible products. Until there is a critical mass of OCPP 2.0.1-enabled chargers and systems, the adoption will remain slow.
Current Needs Being Met by OCPP 1.6: For many operators, the functionality provided by OCPP 1.6 is sufficient for their current needs. The advanced features of OCPP 2.0.1, such as V2G capabilities, are not yet widely demanded by customers or required in many markets.
▶ Conclusion: OCPP 1.6 vs. OCPP 2.0.1
While OCPP 1.6 remains the dominant protocol in the EV charging industry due to its stability, wide adoption, and ability to meet current needs, OCPP 2.0.1 represents the future of EV charging communication. It offers enhanced security, advanced smart charging capabilities, and support for next-generation features like V2G.However, the shift to OCPP 2.0.1 will likely take several more years as the industry gradually adapts to the new standard. For now, most operators are content with OCPP 1.6, which continues to provide reliable and interoperable communication for EV charging stations around the world.The ongoing evolution of the EV ecosystem and the increasing demand for more sophisticated charging solutions will eventually drive the industry toward OCPP 2.0.1, but until then, OCPP 1.6 remains the protocol of choice.