EV Charging Terminology

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 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 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 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.

Open Charge Point Interface is a roaming and data exchange protocol used between e-mobility service providers and charge point operators. It is normally assessed alongside interoperability, supported protocol versions, firmware support and backend compatibility.

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.

An Open combined Protective and Neutral conductor Detection Device (OPDD) is a device or integrated EV charging function designed to detect conditions associated with an open PEN conductor fault and disconnect, or initiate disconnection of, the affected circuit or equipment. IET 01:2024 sets definitions, requirements and tests for OPDD behaviour.

Open PEN detection identifies conditions that may indicate a broken or disconnected combined protective and neutral conductor. It is normally assessed during product selection, circuit design, installation verification and maintenance of EV charging equipment.

Operating temperature is the ambient temperature range within which a charger is designed to function correctly. It is normally checked against mounting method, exposure, durability, access requirements and the conditions at the installation location.

Outlet type describes the physical connection provided by the charger, such as a socket, tethered cable, plug or DC connector. In the UK and Europe, the standardised AC connector is Type 2, while the standardised DC connector is CCS2.

Overcurrent protection protects conductors and equipment against excessive current caused by overloads or short circuits. It is normally assessed during product selection, circuit design, installation verification and maintenance of EV charging equipment.

Overcurrent protection rating is the current value assigned to a protective device, normally stated in amps. It is normally assessed during product selection, circuit design, installation verification and maintenance of EV charging equipment.

OZEV Commercial refers to eligibility or listing status for UK workplace, commercial or infrastructure-related EV chargepoint grant schemes administered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.

OZEV Domestic refers to eligibility or listing status for UK domestic EV chargepoint grant schemes administered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.