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:
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.
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.
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.
An Example Flow of OCPI in Practice:
To understand how OCPI works in practice, let's consider a simplified example flow:
It's important to note that the flow of OCPI can vary depending on the use cases, but the general process remains the same.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 )
