What is OCPI?

What is OCPI?

What is Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI)? 

Companies in the electromobility field take on various roles that extend beyond the boundaries of charge point operators (CPOs) who manage charging stations or eMobility service providers (eMSPs) who serve EV drivers. This creates complexity on both technical and commercial fronts, highlighting the necessity for a standard connection and communication tool between these key players. 
To overcome these challenges and provide greater interoperability in the e-mobility sector, the industry has turned to the Open Charge Point Interface protocol (OCPI). OCPI is an open, independent, and freely accessible protocol that supports data exchange and connections between eMSPs and CPOs. It provides a robust framework for essential information exchange including authorization, transaction events, charge detail records, and smart charging commands between relevant parties. OCPI can operate by connecting multiple parties through direct bilateral connections or via a roaming hub. 
Developed and managed by the EVRoaming Foundation, OCPI's ultimate goal is to enable every EV driver to charge at any charging station regardless of location or operator. OCPI aims to achieve this by accelerating the EV market and improving mobility services. 

Brief history of OCPI 
OCPI was first introduced in 2012 in the Netherlands by ElaadNL, a knowledge and innovation center specializing in Smart Charging and charging infrastructure, along with major Dutch grid operators focused on EV infrastructure development. OCPI aimed to standardize information exchange between EV charging operators and service providers and facilitate connecting to and using various charging networks. 
Initially managed by the Dutch Public Charging Infrastructure Information Platform (NKL), OCPI's management was transferred to the EVRoaming Foundation in May 2020. The first version of OCPI, OCPI 2.0, was released in 2015. Since then, it has undergone numerous updates and improvements, culminating in the latest version, OCPI 2.2.1. 

Main application 
OCPI's primary goal is to establish standard rules to facilitate seamless communication between charge point operators (CPOs) and eMobility service providers (eMSPs), so that EV drivers can access charging stations outside their primary provider's networks. Just as you use your mobile phone on different networks when traveling, roaming in EV charging facilitates drivers charging at stations regardless of operators.  
OCPI enables EV drivers to access, authorize, and pay for charging services across various charging providers. It supports real-time status updates, pricing information, and data exchange, providing a standardized and user-friendly experience for EV users.