Simplifying Communication Protocols in the EV Charging Ecosystem: OCPP, OCPI and OSCP

Electric vehicles are on the rise, and as more people embrace this sustainable mode of transportation, the need for efficient charging infrastructure becomes increasingly evident. In this context, communication protocols are necessary. These protocols serve as the guiding rules that enable smooth communication and data transfer between charging stations and various stakeholders within the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.

For EV enthusiasts, it's essential to become familiar with OCPP, OCPI, and OSCP – three pivotal communication protocols that make the charging process more efficient and accessible. Let’s dive in:

Diving into Open Charging Protocols

• OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol): OCPP, available in versions 1.6 and 2.0.1, acts as the bridge enabling communication between charging stations and their operators, known as Charge Point Operators (CPOs). It goes beyond mere communication; it also facilitates the exchange of information between EVs and the power grid.

  CPOs: Charge Point Operators are organizations/companies that set up, operate, and manage charging station networks.

• OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface): OCPI, version 2.0, is a protocol that empowers EV owners to charge their electric vehicles at various charging stations, regardless of the manufacturer. In other words, it enables seamless roaming between different charging stations, thanks to the support of eMobility Service Providers (eMSPs)

  eMSPs: eMobility Service Providers are organizations/companies that help EV users access charging stations provided by different charge point operators.

• OSCP (Open Smart Charging Protocol): OSCP is the protocol that enables communication between charge points and energy management systems. The protocol communicates a 24-hour forecast of local electrical capacity, allowing charge point operators to plan charging activities accordingly.

Let’s say ‘X-charge’ is a charge point operator with a network of 1000 charge points located in Texas. And ‘EV-Share’ is an eMSP working in partnership with X-charge.

• Role of OCPP: X-charge efficiently manages EV users registered under its network of 1000 charge points by overseeing charging sessions, registering new users, and facilitating payments. This level of control is made possible through seamless communications established via OCPP.
• Role of OCPI: EV users not registered under X-charge can be considered Roaming users. But what if they want to use X-charge’s network? This is where EV-Share comes into play. OCPI enables this cross-network compatibility, allowing non-registered users to seamlessly access X-charge's charging services.
• Role of OSCP: For X-charge to provide a smooth charging experience to its customers, it must have real-time visibility into the local electrical supply. OSCP ensures this by transmitting a 24-hour forecast of local electrical availability and capacity to help X-charge plan its charging operations efficiently.

In essence, OCPP, OCPI, and OSCP protocols work in unison in the EV ecosystem to create an open and seamless charging experience for all the stakeholders involved.

How Can We Help?

Smart eMobility’s robust end-to-end, interoperable platform supports all major communication protocols, enabling you to interact with EV chargers effortlessly. We provide comprehensive solutions, whether initiating a charging session or responding to complex grid demand requests. We’re dedicated to serving end-users by offering charging services and streamlining payment processes for all your charging sessions.