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

Just recently, EVBox has joined the ranks of the first EV charging station manufacturers to achieve official OCPP certification. While this might seem like a lot of industry-speak (and yes, it kind of is), it’s actually a pretty big deal.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what OCPP actually is.

What is OCPP?

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open-source communication standard specifically designed for EV charging stations and network software companies. It allows these systems to communicate seamlessly with each other. In simpler terms, if a piece of hardware is OCPP-certified, it can work with any OCPP-certified software, and the reverse is also true. As a freely accessible and readily available open standard, OCPP has become the benchmark for interoperability among charging service providers.

Why OCPP Matters More Than You Think

When it comes to building a long-term, scalable EV charging station ecosystem, choosing OCPP-certified hardware could be the single most important decision a potential site host can make. Here’s why:

1. Avoiding Stranded Assets

Some devices—such as smart EV charging stations or smartphones—are often tied to specific software, languages, or communication protocols. If the company behind that software goes bankrupt, it could render the device unusable since no one else would be able to operate it. These devices essentially become "stranded assets."

For instance...

In 2017, Avaya, a major telecommunications corporation, filed for bankruptcy. This left approximately 22% of the Private Branch Exchange market with equipment that was no longer supported and thus nonfunctional.

In 2016, SunEdison—a once-leading U.S. renewable energy company valued at $10 billion—declared bankruptcy. This left its customers without any way to monitor their solar panels through the SunEdison app. Recovering control over their solar panels required immense time and resources.

In 2013, Ecotality, Inc., a provider of electric transportation and storage technologies, including the Blink charging network, declared bankruptcy. This left businesses temporarily without charging stations for potential EV drivers.

Business owners must consider the possibility that their charging network provider might face financial difficulties. To avoid being stuck with unusable equipment, it’s crucial to choose hardware and software that are both OCPP-compatible and certified.

2. Breaking Free from Vendor Lock-In

This point may sound similar to the previous one, but it focuses on a different aspect of flexibility. While avoiding stranded assets ensures that your equipment remains functional if your provider goes out of business, avoiding vendor lock-in guarantees that you can switch to a better service provider regardless of the current state of your hardware.

Imagine investing thousands of dollars in an EV charging solution for your property. After thorough research, you select a reputable manufacturer, place the order, and install the system. A year later, the provider decides to hike its network service fees by 25%. Since their hardware isn’t OCPP-certified, switching to a different provider would require replacing the entire installation—an expensive and inconvenient process.

However, if you had initially installed OCPP-certified hardware, you wouldn’t be stuck with rising costs. Instead, you could easily reconfigure your charging stations to work with more affordable software.

With so many network providers offering diverse features and pricing options, OCPP-certified hardware ensures that you can always find the best fit for your needs. It gives you the freedom to adapt as your business grows.

3. Driving Innovation and Lower Costs

OCPP encourages manufacturers to innovate continuously. Knowing that site hosts can switch providers anytime motivates companies to stay ahead of the curve. The tech industry is unpredictable—today’s leader could be tomorrow’s also-ran. With OCPP, you can rest assured that you won’t be stuck with outdated technology.

OCPP also keeps service costs competitive. When site hosts retain the option to change providers whenever they want, networks are incentivized to keep prices low. With OCPP, you’ll never have to worry about being held hostage by inflated network fees—you can simply switch to a cheaper provider if needed.

4. Enhancing the EV Driving Experience

OCPP-compliant stations and networks offer drivers greater flexibility by providing access to more compatible charging stations. Drivers subscribed to open charging networks feel more confident roaming because there are increasingly more stations that work with their provider.

OCPP also ensures fair pricing for drivers. Without OCPP, drivers might be charged exorbitant rates at closed network stations, as the charging station owner and network provider could exploit the lack of competition. With OCPP, drivers can trust that they’re getting a fair price regardless of where they charge.

Until now, customers had to take vendors at their word when they claimed compatibility with open standards. Now, with OCPP certification, buyers can be sure they’re investing in genuine open standards.

How to Verify True OCPP Certification?

For over a decade, the Open Charge Alliance (OCA), a global consortium of over 150 public and private EV infrastructure leaders, has promoted OCPP. The OCA has now introduced an official OCPP certification program, allowing members to verify compliance with OCPP specifications. Three independent testing labs across Europe, North America, and Asia have been selected to conduct the certification tests.

In the past, some proprietary networks claimed OCPP compliance, but these claims couldn’t be verified. The new certification ensures that customers can trust they’re purchasing truly OCPP-compliant chargers and software.

Now, both current and prospective OCA members can identify eMobility companies whose products and services support open systems. EVBox was the first company globally to receive this certification for the OCPP 1.6 standard. The entire EVBox Elvi range has been fully certified, ensuring full OCPP compliance for both U.S. and EU shipments.

No matter which network drivers use, EVBox charging stations will be compatible. If you’re a business owner looking to electrify your fleet, upgrade your parking lot, or prepare for the growing number of EVs, consider how EVBox can help make your business more efficient and sustainable.