Significance of Open Protocols in Empowering E-Mobility:OpenADR, OCPI and OCPP

Electric Mobility is revolutionary transforming the way we move & the energy sources we rely on for transportation. At the heart of this transformation lie open protocols, a crucial but often overlooked aspect of e-mobility. Open protocols in e-mobility play a crucial role in fostering a connected and accessible electric vehicle ecosystem. They enable different stakeholders, including EV manufacturers, charging station operators, and service providers, to work together harmoniously, promoting the growth and sustainability of e-mobility on a global scale.

In this article, we will introduce you to the world of open protocols in e-mobility, exploring their importance, common types, benefits, challenges, and their role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.

What is e-mobility ?

E-mobility, short for electric mobility, refers to the use of electric power to propel vehicles, ranging from electric cars and bikes to buses and scooters. This shift towards electric vehicles is driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, and improve air quality in urban areas. E-mobility not only helps in achieving these environmental goals but also promises lower operating costs and increased energy efficiency.

Common Open Protocols in electric mobility

“Open Protocols” refers to standardized sets of rules and communication methods that enable different components of the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem to interact and exchange data effectively. They are the language that allows various components of the EV ecosystem to communicate seamlessly, ensuring efficient and reliable charging processes.

Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP):

OCPP is one of the most widely used protocols for communication between charging stations and central management systems. It defines a set of rules that govern the interaction between charging points and cloud based charging management software platform, allowing for flexibility and compatibility between charging stations of different manufacturers.

Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI):

OCPI is another important open protocol that facilitates communication between charging station operators and e-mobility service providers. It streamlines processes like billing and real-time data sharing, ensuring a smooth user experience. The OCPI protocol is managed and maintained by the EVRoaming Foundation, ensuring its free availability.

Open InterCharge Protocol (OICP):

OICP is a protocol that focuses on interoperability between different e-mobility service providers. It standardizes communication between charging networks, promoting seamless roaming for EV users, regardless of their service provider. The Open Intercharge Protocol (OICP) has been developed by Hubject, a group of German automotive and energy companies, in 2012.

Open Clearing House Protocol (OCHP):

OCHP plays a pivotal role in creating a clearinghouse for charging data. It enables different charging station operators to share data securely and efficiently, improving transparency and reliability in the e-mobility ecosystem.

eMobility Inter-operation Protocol (eMIP)?

MIP is an EV roaming protocol that enables communication between MSPs and CPOs via a roaming hub. eMIP is a protocol designed to facilitate cross-border charging. It ensures that EV drivers can access charging infrastructure in different countries without facing compatibility issues or excessive fees.

Open Smart Charging Protocol (OSCP)?

Open Smart Charging Protocol (OSCP) is an open communication protocol between a charge point management system and an energy management system. OSCP empowers charging stations to dynamically adapt charging rates based on factors like grid demand, energy prices, and user preferences, optimizing the charging process for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Open ADR?

OpenADR is an open, secure, and two-way information exchange model facilitating automated demand response (DR) actions that help balance grid supply and demand or mitigate high electricity costs. It establishes a standardized method for communication between utility companies and charging systems. OpenADR enables utilities to send signals to EV charging stations, directing them to adjust charging rates based on grid conditions, demand fluctuations, and price signals. This protocol promotes grid stability, minimizes energy costs for EV owners, and supports the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid

ISO 15118?

ISO 15118 is an international standard that covers the communication between EVs and charging infrastructure. It enables secure, automated, and bi-directional communication, allowing EVs to negotiate charging parameters with the charging station, optimizing charging processes. 

Benefits of Using Open Protocols:

Open protocols define a common language or framework that allows different entities within the e-mobility ecosystem to communicate seamlessly. This communication can involve tasks like authorizing charging sessions, transmitting charging rates, providing real-time status updates, and facilitating payment transactions. The major benefits of using Open Protocols include:

Interoperability:

One of the primary benefits of open protocols is interoperability. They break down the barriers between different charging stations, service providers, and EVs, allowing users to charge their vehicles seamlessly, regardless of their location or service provider.

Reduced Operating Costs:

Open protocols promote healthy competition and prevent vendor lock-in, leading to cost-effective solutions for e-mobility stakeholders. This cost efficiency ultimately benefits EV drivers and accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles.

Scalability:

As the e-mobility ecosystem continues to expand, open protocols provide the scalability required to accommodate the growing number of EVs and charging stations. This adaptability ensures that the infrastructure can keep pace with the increasing demand.

Future-Proofing:

Open protocols are designed to evolve with the changing landscape of e-mobility. They can incorporate new features and technologies, ensuring that the infrastructure remains relevant and future-proof.

In conclusion, open protocols in e-mobility play a crucial role in fostering a connected and accessible electric vehicle ecosystem. It enables different stakeholders like EV companies, CPO’s to work together harmoniously and promote e-mobility on a global scale.

What is OCPI and Why Is It Important for EV Operators?

 The Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) protocol is an open standard roaming protocol linking Mobility Services providers (MSP), Energy Service Providers (ESP), Navigation Service Providers (NSP), and other stakeholders with Charge Point Operators (CPO). It simplifies roaming between charging networks, letting EV operators use multiple stations without needing several accounts. This helps them find the best charging options.

OCPI standardizes communication between charging networks and shares information, ensuring everyone has the same data. This streamlines fleet management and billing processes. It also supports token exchange, location and status updates, and billing and payment processing.

OCPI is important because it simplifies EV operators' access to various charging networks and ensures equal access to data. This makes managing fleets more efficient and cost-effective, saving time and money in the long run. 

On a global level, OCPI is being endorsed or adopted by governments, local and national initiatives, and companies including:

• United States: The Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance is pressing the US government to adopt OCPI and OCPP as standard changing protocols. 
• United Kingdom: In 2022, the UK government Secretary for State for Transport proposed that OCPI should be adopted as a standard protocol to enable reliable and accessible EV charging.
• European Union: evRoaming4EU is an international project that involves organizations from Austria, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The primary goal of this collaboration is to enhance roaming services for electric vehicle (EV) drivers and improve transparency by utilizing the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) protocol.

In this article, we will explain what OCPI and how it works in more detail, and outline its importance for EV fleets and charging point operators.

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What Is OCPI?

OCPI, or Open Charge Point Interface, is an open communication protocol specifically designed for electric vehicle (EV) charging. Its purpose is to make it easier for EV drivers to find and use charging stations by facilitating communication between charging stations and multiple service providers.

OCPI is a useful standard in the EV charging industry because it promotes open communication and interoperability between charging stations and service providers. This means that EV drivers can find and use charging stations more easily and quickly.

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How Does OCPI Work?

OCPI works by providing a standardized set of rules and guidelines that allow different EV charging software systems to communicate with each other using APIs. APIs are protocols, routines, and tools that standardize the way different software applications interact with each other.

OCPI allows for the free exchange of data, including locations, tokens, tariffs, and sessions, between the parties. OCPI provides fault-tolerant mechanisms for communication, allowing EV drivers to have real-time knowledge of available and unavailable charging points. The protocol also allows for direct connections between parties and can connect a large number of parties through one or more OCPI hubs.

EV charging software systems can use OCPI to communicate seamlessly, regardless of the type or brand of charging station or service provider. This ensures that EV drivers can use different charging stations from various providers and still have a consistent and convenient experience. 

In other words, OCPI makes it possible for different charging stations and service providers to "speak the same language," enabling a more user-friendly and convenient EV charging experience for drivers.

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An Example Flow of OCPI in Practice:

To understand how OCPI works in practice, let's consider a simplified example flow:

1. The driver initiates a charging session on a charge point hardware.
2. The charging point sends status information (e.g., "charging") to the charging management system (CMS).
3. The CMS confirms the status and informs the payment system through OCPI.
4. The payment system authorizes the payment, and the charging session continues until completion.

It's important to note that the flow of OCPI can vary depending on the use cases, but the general process remains the same.

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What Data is Exchanged with OCPI?

OCPI facilitates communication between different software systems by exchanging data and tokens related to EV charging. Some of the data that is exchanged through OCPI includes:

• Address and location information of charge points (including geo-location)
• Electric information of charge point hardware (current type, voltage, etc.)
• Charge point's status information (e.g., if the charger is in use or available)
• Credential information to authenticate the two backend software systems (similar to passwords or tokens)
• Remote command to start and stop a charging session
• Historical charging session data (e.g., Charging Detail Records (CDR))
• Tariff information (costs per kWh, costs depending on the time of the day)

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Real-Life Examples – Two Core Use Cases

Use Case A

Use Case A involves connecting a charging management system with a third-party payment system, such as a fueling card system or a mobile app for public EV charging. This use case is particularly important because it enables EV drivers to pay for charging services seamlessly and conveniently, regardless of the charging station or service provider they are using.

For instance, a driver arrives at a public charging station and wants to charge their EV. They use a mobile app or fueling card to start the charging session and pay for the service. The charging management system verifies their payment with the third-party payment system and initiates the charging session. The driver can then charge their vehicle, and the payment is automatically processed through the third-party payment system.

Use Case A facilitates the adoption of EVs by making charging more accessible and convenient for drivers through seamless payment processing and interoperability between different charging and payment systems. This also promotes competition and innovation in the EV charging industry, allowing new players to enter the market and offer value-added services such as payment processing and mobile app integration.

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Use Case B

Use Case B involves connecting a charging system to a large roaming service, which acts as a middle-man between different charging networks. This use case is important because it enables EV drivers to access charging services from different networks and service providers using a single account, making the charging process more convenient and streamlined. It is similar to a mobile phone roaming service.

For instance, an EV driver wants to travel from one city to another and needs to charge their vehicle along the way. They have an account with a large roaming service that partners with multiple charging networks and providers. Using the roaming service's mobile app or website, the driver searches for available charging stations along their route. The roaming service provides information on available charging stations, pricing, and other details, allowing the driver to choose the best option. The driver initiates the charging session and pays for the service using their roaming service account. The roaming service verifies the payment with the charging network and initiates the charging session. Once the vehicle is fully charged, the driver can continue their journey.

Use Case B can help to develop more extensive and efficient charging networks, which are essential for the widespread adoption of EVs.

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Advantages of OCPI in EV Charging

There are several key reasons why the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) is important in the world of electric vehicle (EV) charging.

• Payment Processing: Many charging management systems (CMS) aim to improve charger uptime and energy management. However, payment systems can differ between states and countries, making it difficult to ensure consistent payment processing and interoperability between different networks. OCPI solves this issue by providing a common language that allows CMS to connect seamlessly with different payment systems and service providers. This ensures that everyone uses the same data format, promoting open communication and interoperability between charging systems

• Easy-to-implement: Another significant advantage of OCPI is that it is based on APIs, which are widely used and well-known in the software industry. This means that engineers can work with OCPI easily without requiring any special education or training. This helps to reduce the barriers to entry for new players in the EV charging industry, promoting competition and innovation and helping to drive down costs for EV drivers.

• Interoperability: By providing a common language for different charging networks and payment systems, OCPI promotes open communication and interoperability. This helps to simplify the charging process for drivers and promote the development of more extensive and efficient charging networks.

• International Standards: OCPI is an international standard that is recognized by governments and industry organizations around the world. This means that it provides a common framework for EV charging systems across different regions and promotes consistency and interoperability.

• Scalability: OCPI is designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing it to accommodate the growth and evolution of the EV charging industry. This means that it can adapt to new technologies, business models, and market demands, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in the years to come.

• Cross-Network Roaming: OCPI facilitates cross-network roaming, allowing EV drivers to access charging services from different networks and service providers using a single account. This makes the charging process more convenient and streamlined for drivers, promoting the widespread adoption of EVs.

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What Is The Difference Between OCPI and OCPP?

OCPP and OCPI are two important standards in the world of electric vehicle (EV) charging, but they serve different purposes.

• OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is a standard for communication between the charging point and the charging management system (CMS). It allows the CMS to control and monitor the charging process, access data on energy usage and charging session details, and receive error codes and other relevant information from the charging point. OCPP uses a WebSocket for bidirectional communication.

• OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) is a standard for communication between the CMS and other software systems, such as payment systems or roaming platforms. OCPI does not communicate with the charging point directly but enables the CMS to exchange data with other software systems using APIs.

Despite their differences, OCPP and OCPI share some similarities. They both deal with similar types of data, including charge point status, energy usage, charging session details, and error codes. However, OCPI goes beyond EV charging point information and includes data on energy tariffs, parking lot information, and other relevant details.

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To learn how smart charging and OCPP work together to optimize your charging operations, read our report, "What Is OCPP and How To Use It For Smart Charging."

Summary

The Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) protocol offers several benefits, including simplifying the charging process for drivers, promoting interoperability between different charging networks and payment systems, and reducing barriers to entry for new players in the EV charging industry.

OCPI provides a common language for different charging networks and payment systems, streamlining fleet management and billing processes and saving time and money in the long run. It is an international standard recognized worldwide, promoting consistency and interoperability. 

Charging point operators can use both OCPI and OCPP to develop more extensive and efficient charging networks, ultimately driving the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

(Credit to https://www.ampcontrol.io/post/what-is-ocpi-and-why-is-it-important-for-ev-operators )

OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0 – which one is better for you?

OCPP is an open protocol for communication between Charge Points and a Central System that quickly became the industry standard. It is a universal solution accommodating any type of charging technique. Since its release in 2015 OCPP 1.6 was downloaded tens of thousands of times and its successor followed in its footsteps. OCPP 2.0 launched in April 2018 was implemented by thousands of users and its popularity is still growing.

Open Charge Point Protocol powers EV charging stations

OCPP stands for Open Charge Point Protocol and it is created by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA) in 2009. Today global consortium that promotes open standards has more than 220 participants from 43 countries on 5 continents. OCPP became the EV industry standard in just 6 years.

The Open Charge Point Protocol allows communication and data exchanges between electric vehicle charging points and central control systems.

As for now, most of the modern  EV chargers are OCPP 1.6 compatible, with the raising amount of station manufacturers delivering hardware ready for OCPP 2.0.1 in order to anticipate future requirements of the e-mobility market and to prevent the money loss caused by stranded assets. That’s one of the reasons why the majority of implementations are still based on OCPP 1.6.

Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) 1.6. - what made it revolutionary?

Open Charge Point Protocol OCPP 1.6 was the first OCA protocol to gain world wide recognition. It’s perceived as the all-in-one solution that to this day isn’t lacking anything important despite the huge technological progress that the EV industry made.

The feature launched within OCPP 1.6. that reshaped the perception of EV charging was smart charging. It allowed sending  Charging Profiles to the charging station – basically a foundation of today’s EV charging infrastructure. Central System gains the ability to influence the charging power or current of a specific EV, or energy consumption on an entire Charger / Charge Points network.

Smart Charging has three typical use cases:

load balancing

central smart charging

local smart charging

 

LOAD BALANCING

OCPP allows the management of internal load balancing within the Charge Point that modulates the charging schedule per connector. Every Charger is preconfigured with a fixed limit, mostly the maximum current of the connection thus it allows to get the most from the deal with the power distributor without the risk of an outage. CPO has the option to set up a minChargingRate that may be used to optimize energy distribution between the connectors. Clients wouldn’t be able to charge in an inefficient way and will be automatically redirected to other services based on a fitting balancing strategy.

CENTRAL SMART CHARGING

Central smart charging enables Central System to regulate the charging schedule, per transaction. Schedules allow staying within energy usage limits imposed by any external software on the entire network by controlling each Charger.

LOCAL SMART CHARGING

Charging limits on Chargers are controlled by the Local Controller instead of the Central System. This use case of smart charging describes limiting the amount of energy that can be used by a group of Charge Points (small network like a parking garage), to a given maximum. Another scenario would be receiving information by the Local Controller about the availability of power from a DSO or a local smart grid node.

WHAT WAS INTRODUCED IN OCPP 1.6?

Switch to JSON over WebSocket , reducing data usage and enabling OCPP communication through NAT routers.

Extra statuses, giving the CPO and EV drivers more information about the current status of charging.

Extra values are added, which creates the possibility to send new information to a Central System.

The TriggerMessage message is implemented, introducing the Central System to request information from the Charge Point.

Other functionalities making the implementation of the OCPP clearer, easier and available in steps.

OCPP 1.6 vs OCPP 2.0

The easiest comparison of the two versions would be as follows: OCPP 1.6 is a very good, well-understood solution that is sufficent for today’s usecases.. The OCPP 2.0.1 is the protocol of the future and as such, its adoption is slow.

Open Charge Point Protocol OCPP it’s now available in version 2.0.1 that incorporates improvements for inconveniences found in OCPP 2.0 during Plugfests and in the field. It’s a minor change, not introducing new features or functionalities. Updates have been made in the area of security, ISO 15118, Smart Charging and the extensibility of OCPP.

What is OCPP?

 OCPP stands for "Open Charge Point Protocol." It is a communication protocol that is used to standardize communication between electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and charging station management systems (CSMS). OCPP defines a set of rules that allow EV charging stations to communicate with CSMS over the internet or other networks.

The main goal of OCPP is to ensure interoperability between different EV charging stations and CSMS. By using a standardized protocol, different charging station manufacturers can create products that work seamlessly with different CSMS vendors. This helps to promote the growth of the EV charging infrastructure by making it easier to deploy and manage charging stations.

OCPP has evolved over time, with the latest version being OCPP 2.0. It includes new features such as support for advanced reservation systems, dynamic load management, and more detailed reporting and diagnostics. OCPP is widely used in Europe and is gaining popularity in other parts of the world as well.

Overall, OCPP is an important protocol that helps to facilitate the growth of the EV charging infrastructure by providing a common language for communication between different charging station and CSMS vendors.

Protocol Stack for High-Level-Communication (CCS)