Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)

Last modified: Aug 02, 2026

OCPP connects charging stations with central management systems and is one layer of the wider EV charging ecosystem.

What OCPP is

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open application protocol for communication between charging stations and central management systems. It is maintained by the Open Charge Alliance and is used for functions such as authorization, transaction reporting, status monitoring, configuration, diagnostics, firmware management, and smart-charging control. Open Charge Alliance: OCPP

OCPP can help an operator combine compatible charging hardware and management software from different suppliers. Support still depends on the OCPP versions, profiles, security settings, and optional functions implemented at both ends; an “OCPP compatible” label alone does not prove that every feature will interoperate.

Where OCPP fits

OCPP primarily covers the link between a charging station and its charging-station management system. It is not the same as ISO 15118, which covers high-level communication between an EV and charging equipment. It is also not a roaming protocol such as OCPI, which can exchange information between charge point operators and e-mobility service providers.

These protocol layers may participate in the same charging session while serving different interfaces. Keeping the interfaces separate helps explain why support for Plug & Charge, roaming, reservations, or smart charging can vary independently.

See EV charging protocols and services for the full protocol stack and Charging-network roaming for cross-network service access.

Sources

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