OCPP: 4 letters to remember when investing in EV charging stations

EVBox has made history by becoming one of the first EV charging station manufacturers to achieve official OCPP certification. While this may sound like a mouthful of industry terms (and honestly, it is), it’s incredibly important. Let me explain why.

What Exactly is OCPP?

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open-source communication standard that allows EV charging stations and network software to communicate seamlessly. It essentially ensures that hardware from one company can work with any certified software—and vice versa. As a free and widely available open standard, OCPP has become the benchmark for interoperability among charging service providers.

Why OCPP Matters More Than You Think

Choosing OCPP-certified hardware is crucial when building a scalable EV charging station ecosystem. Here’s why it’s such a big deal:

1. Avoiding Stranded Assets

Imagine investing in a device that relies on a specific software or communication protocol. If the company behind that software goes out of business, the device becomes useless—a so-called “stranded asset.”

For instance, in 2017, Avaya, a major telecommunications company, filed for bankruptcy. This left many businesses with equipment that no longer worked because there was no support for the proprietary software. Similarly, SunEdison, once a powerhouse in renewable energy, declared bankruptcy in 2016, leaving its customers without access to their solar panels through the SunEdison app. These examples highlight the risks of relying on a single vendor.

Businesses must consider the possibility that their charging network provider might face financial difficulties. To avoid this, it’s essential to choose hardware and software that are both OCPP compatible and certified. This ensures flexibility and future-proofing.

2. Breaking Free From Vendor Lock-In

This point might seem similar to the previous one, but it focuses on a different issue. While avoiding stranded assets ensures continuity of service, being free from vendor lock-in guarantees you won’t be stuck with a service provider you’re dissatisfied with—or worse, one that ceases operations.

Suppose you invest heavily in an EV charging solution, carefully selecting a reputable manufacturer. After installation, the provider decides to hike their network fees by 25%. If your hardware isn’t OCPP-certified, you’re stuck with these higher costs unless you replace the entire system—an expensive and time-consuming process.

With OCPP-certified hardware, you can switch to a more affordable network provider without replacing your charging stations. This flexibility allows you to adapt as your business grows and market conditions change.

3. Driving Innovation and Lower Costs

OCPP encourages manufacturers to innovate rapidly because they know site hosts can easily switch to alternative network providers. In the tech world, trends can shift quickly. A dominant player today could lose its edge tomorrow due to disruptive innovations. With OCPP, you ensure you’ll never be tied to outdated technology.

OCPP also fosters competitive pricing. Since site hosts can switch networks anytime, providers are incentivized to keep their service fees low. This means you’ll never be held hostage by inflated charges—you can always opt for a cheaper alternative.

4. Enhancing the EV Driving Experience

OCPP-compliant stations and networks give drivers more choices by expanding access to compatible charging options. Drivers connected to open charging networks feel confident traveling farther since there are more stations compatible with their service provider. This increased availability reduces range anxiety and makes EV ownership more appealing.

Moreover, OCPP ensures fair pricing for drivers. Without OCPP, charging station owners and network providers could charge exorbitant rates knowing competitors were scarce. But with OCPP, drivers benefit from transparent pricing and competition.

Previously, customers relied solely on vendors’ claims about openness. Now, thanks to the OCA certification, buyers can verify whether products truly adhere to OCPP standards. EVBox has become the first company globally to receive this certification under the OCPP 1.6 standard, ensuring its Elvi range is fully compliant in both the U.S. and EU markets.

No matter which network drivers use, EVBox stations will work seamlessly. Whether you’re electrifying your fleet, upgrading your parking lot, or preparing for future EV adoption, EVBox offers solutions to make your business more efficient and sustainable.