With the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution accelerating, there’s a critical need for robust, secure and reliable charging infrastructure. One way to ensure this is through OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) certification, an industry-recognised accolade that demonstrates a company’s commitment to providing future-proof charging solutions for the UK.
As Britain’s electrification efforts ramp up, hardware manufacturers and software providers are vital in ensuring technology not only meets consumer needs but offers a sustainable solution for charge point operators. A key component of this infrastructure sits with the OCPP-compliant software that powers EV chargers across the country. The right software ensures seamless communication between hardware and operators, as well as a smooth charging experience for drivers.
At Fuuse, we're proud to announce we're OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1 certified, the first charge point management system in the UK to receive dual certification. In this blog, we'll explain exactly what this means, what the benefits are and how charge point operators can leverage this for their drivers and charging operations.
What is OCPP?
OCPP, or Open Charge Point Protocol, is a communication standard recognised worldwide, supporting messages between compliant software (central management systems) and charging hardware (public and private EV chargers).
The Open Charge Alliance awards certification to companies whose products have completed and passed a rigorous testing process. Both charging hardware and software can be OCPP-certified.
What is OCPP 1.6 Protocol?
Widely adopted across EV charging infrastructure, OCPP 1.6 enables seamless interaction between electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and charger management systems, like Fuuse. Hardware that’s OCPP-compliant can communicate with compatible software, meaning no vendor lock-in for charge point operators (CPOs) whilst promoting interoperability.
For operators, the protocol means they can monitor and manage their charging stations from remote locations, with access to real-time data and charging information. OCPP 1.6 also unlocks basic energy management needs, such as dynamic load balancing and charge profiles that can inform pre-defined charging schedules. As a protocol, it handles data and messaging between devices and software, as well as authorising charging sessions, such as starting and stopping a charge.
What is OCPP 2.0.1?
OCPP 2.0.1 is one of the latest iterations of the protocol. As the need for more advanced technologies emerges, this version offers enhanced sophistication compared to OCPP 1.6. Certain updates include:
- Enhanced security through encrypted communication and secure authentication, further protecting against the threat of cyber attacks
- Advanced energy management solutions, such as ISO 15118 Plug & Charge integration and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) bidirectional charging
- Simplified device management, ensuring things like installation, configuration and troubleshooting are much easier and more efficient to manage
- Enhanced transaction handling, including payment terminal functionality and charging session initiation
How does OCPP Work?
Regardless of version type, protocols work in similar ways. OCPP is a standardised communication that allows EV charging stations and software to speak to each other. Compliant software systems can communicate OCPP-compatible hardware, which is also known as hardware-agnostic software, to gather information about the charger.
Once chargers and software are connected, they will perform a digital handshake to establish communication. Messages and data such as real-time charging behaviour, initiated charging sessions and stopped sessions are relayed between systems, enabling operators to monitor their chargers from anywhere. Chargers will also send heartbeats to software systems, letting them know they are active and have no problems.
What are the Benefits of OCPP for Charge Point Operators?
Working with OCPP-compliant solutions makes charger management easy for charge point operators (CPOs). For CPOs to build and manage a successful EV charging network, they need to know what’s happening across their charging estate at all times.
Some benefits of OCPP-compliant solutions include:
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Ultimate flexibility and scalability
There’s no vendor lock-in for CPOs who opt for OCPP-compliant solutions, meaning they have the flexibility to choose a software provider that works for them.
Similarly, it ensures a level of scalability for businesses looking to expand operations. Software can easily grow to meet operational needs, whether that’s expanding across more areas or installing more chargers onto existing sites.
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Cost-effectiveness
Using OCPP-compliant products, CPOs can reduce maintenance costs in the long run. With remote monitoring and management, operators can identify and resolve certain issues quickly. These issues would have previously incurred the cost of an engineer to review the charger and reset on-site.
It’s also a futureproof option, especially where new technologies are emerging and certain hardware manufacturers cease trading. OCPP-compliant hardware will continue to work with software if companies exit geographical markets, ensuring CPOs still have operational chargers. Similarly, with energy optimisation tools, operators can start to monetise their site’s energy, bringing in more revenue opportunities.
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Efficient operations
OCPP enables CPOs to remotely monitor, control and configure their charging stations, from anywhere in the world. This ensures operators always have the full picture of their charging estate, including issues and charger behaviour to seek easy resolution.
For public operators, the latest Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 put a greater onus on CPOs to deliver a reliable and secure charging network. Those with rapid chargers (50kW+) must demonstrate an average reliability score of 99%, something that can be easily managed and monitored through OCPP-compliant software.
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Improved user experience
Offering seamless charging for EV drivers, OCPP ensures a consistent and user-friendly experience, encouraging EV adoption and bolstering customer satisfaction. Where drivers feel charging solutions seem convenient, easy and reliable to use, they are likely to repeat business, particularly on the public charging network.
As OCPP 2.0.1 includes the ISO 15118 Plug & Charge integration, this will offer enhanced ease and convenience for EV drivers, thus improving their user experience. Completely removing the digital interface, drivers can seamlessly initiate a charging session with a compatible EV and charging cable alone.
What are the Benefits of OCPP for EV Drivers?
All CPOs have their customers and drivers at the heart of their operations. OCPP-compliant products set out to ensure EV drivers receive as seamless and easy a charging experience as possible. Some of the benefits drivers can expect include:
- Consistent charging experience that is user-friendly and easy to use
- Reliable EV charging networks that are available when they need them
- Enhanced charging experiences that enable drivers to make the most of their charging session
Does Fuuse Support OCPP?
Fuuse is an advocate for OCPP-compliant software. As the first charge point management platform in the UK to be certified for both 1.6 and 2.0.1, it showcases a dedication to ensuring future-proof charging solutions. Fuuse offers flexible and convenient EV charging management options. By supporting a wide range of OCPP-compliant hardware, Fuuse avoids vendor lock-in and empowers charge point operators with greater choice. This also ensures their platform remains compatible with evolving EV charging technology, offering advanced features and a seamless experience for drivers.
Ready to work with OCPP-compliant software that scales alongside your business?
It’s time to make the most of your EV charging, ensuring a scalable, sustainable and futureproof solution for your business. If you’re ready to use an intuitive platform that makes charger management easy, get in touch today!
