EV Charger Industry Word Analysis: OICP, OCPI, OCPP

OICP (Open InterCharge Protocol)

Overview of OICP

OICP is a protocol developed and promoted by the German company Hubject. Hubject offers a platform called “intercharge” designed to facilitate interoperability between different electric vehicle (EV) charging networks. OICP primarily supports data exchange between Charging Point Operators (CPOs) and eMobility Service Providers (eMSPs).

Simplified Explanation

Think of OICP as the “middleman” that allows different charging networks to work together. It ensures that you can charge your EV across various networks using just one service provider’s account, without needing to repeatedly register or download multiple apps. For instance, it’s like using a single bank card to shop at any store—no matter the store, as long as it accepts your card, you can easily pay. OICP is the tool that helps various charging stations recognize and support your EV service provider.

OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface)

Overview of OCPI

OCPI is an open standard protocol developed by multiple industry stakeholders aimed at facilitating information exchange between CPOs and eMSPs. OCPI emphasizes a decentralized approach, avoiding reliance on a single intermediary platform.

Simplified Explanation

Think of OCPI as the “social network” among charging stations. It helps different charging companies share information, such as where charging is available, the current usage of a charging station, and the pricing. For example, it’s like using a restaurant review app where you can see information about all the restaurants and use the same account to make payments and orders, regardless of which restaurant you go to. OCPI enables various charging stations to collaborate and make charging easier for you.

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol)

Overview of OCPP

OCPP is a protocol specifically designed to enable communication between charging points and their management systems. You can think of it as the language through which a charging point talks to its central control system. Through OCPP, a charging point can inform the management system about its current status, receive remote commands, or report issues.

Simplified Explanation

Think of OCPP as the “dialogue tool” between the charging point and you. With OCPP, the charging points can tell you if they are operational, if there are any faults, or when they need maintenance. For instance, it’s like a cash register in a store informing the store owner about the day’s sales, whether it’s running out of change, or if it needs maintenance. OCPP facilitates this type of communication between the charging point and the backend system (your tool as the owner).

Summary