Terms referencing Open Charge Point Protocol
Standard or regulation
Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)
Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is the open protocol used for communication between EV charge points and charging station management systems. It supports authorisation, transactions, remote monitoring, diagnostics, smart charging and interoperability between hardware and backend platforms.
OCPP 1.5
OCPP 1.5 is an older version of the Open Charge Point Protocol used for communication between charge points and management systems. It is normally assessed alongside interoperability, supported protocol versions, firmware support and backend compatibility.
OCPP 1.6
OCPP 1.6 is a widely deployed Open Charge Point Protocol version used for charger-to-backend communication and remote management. It is normally assessed alongside interoperability, supported protocol versions, firmware support and backend compatibility.
OCPP 2.0.1
OCPP 2.0.1 is a newer Open Charge Point Protocol version with expanded support for device management, security, transactions and smart charging. It is normally assessed alongside interoperability, supported protocol versions, firmware support and backend compatibility.
OCPP 2.1
OCPP 2.1 is a recent Open Charge Point Protocol version developed to support advanced charging features, smart charging and improved interoperability. It is normally assessed alongside interoperability, supported protocol versions, firmware support and backend compatibility.
B
Backend
Backend refers to the software platform or server-side system that manages charger communication, user access, transactions and reporting. Often used as an accessible term alternative to CPMS. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.
Backend Support
Backend support means a charger can connect to a management platform for monitoring, control, data reporting or commercial operation. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.
C
Charge Point Management System (CPMS)
A Charge Point Management System is software used to monitor, control, configure and manage EV charging infrastructure. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.
D
Diagnostics
Diagnostics are the tools, messages, logs or checks used to identify charger faults, performance issues or communication problems. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.
F
Firmware Updates
Firmware updates are updates to embedded charger software, delivered locally or remotely depending on the product and backend support. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.
M
Meter Values
Meter values are recorded readings from a charger or meter, such as energy delivered, power, voltage, current or session readings. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.
N
Networking
Networking refers to the physical and wireless communication arrangements that connect chargers to local systems, gateways or backend platforms. It is normally considered alongside site connectivity, router/modem configuration, signal availability and ongoing remote support.
R
Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring allows charger status, faults, sessions and performance data to be viewed without attending site. It is normally considered alongside charge point management systems, OCPP support, firmware updates, reporting and remote diagnostics.
T
Third-party Platform Support
Third-party platform support means the charger can connect to charge point management systems or backends other than the manufacturer's own platform, typically through an open or supported protocol such as OCPP.