Total Views: 385
Table of Content
Blog Summary:
Ever wondered why some EV apps work everywhere while others leave you stranded? This blog explains the powerhouse duo of OCPP and OCPI, the invisible protocols driving the global EV revolution. Read on to discover how these standards are transforming the electric vehicle charging landscape into a unified ecosystem.
Table of Content
In the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) landscape, protocols enable communication between hardware and software. Without these standardized rules, charging a vehicle across different locations would be as difficult as using a phone that only works on one specific cell tower.
At the heart of this interconnected world are two dominant standards: Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI). Both the protocols play distinct but complementary roles. OCPP serves as the internal dialogue between a charging station and its management system, while OCPI serves as the external interface that connects different charging networks.
This guide provides a detailed comparison of OCPP vs OCPI, breaking down their technical nuances and specific roles. Whether you are a station operator or an infrastructure investor, understanding these frameworks is key to building a scalable, future-proof EV ecosystem.
Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is a universal language that enables EV charging stations to communicate with central management systems. It is like an operating system for chargers.
OCPP standardizes communication to ensure that hardware from one manufacturer works seamlessly with software from another. This open-source protocol is vital for site hosts because it prevents vendor lock-in. So, you can switch network providers without replacing your physical charging equipment.
Currently, two versions are dominating the electric vehicle charging landscape.
The Open Charge Point Protocol transforms basic hardware into intelligent infrastructure through several core capabilities. This is to ensure your charging network remains agile and future-proof:
OCPP is the backbone of diverse charging environments, ensuring hardware and software work in harmony across various business models:
Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) is a protocol that enables roaming across different EV charging networks. While OCPP connects a charger to its management system, OCPI connects those systems to each other.
It allows EV drivers to use different charging networks using a single app or RFID card. For operators, OCPI automates the exchange of real-time station location, pricing, and availability data, making the charging experience seamless for users regardless of who owns the hardware.
OCPI relies on a collaborative ecosystem to enable EV roaming. Its architecture primarily involves:
OCPI serves as the bridge between independent charging networks, focusing on a frictionless user experience through these core features:
OCPI serves as the digital interoperability framework between different network providers to ensure a seamless driver experience:
You Might Also Like:
Explore a Real-World EV Charging Project We Delivered – MoonEVFlex
Choosing between OCPP and OCPI isn’t about picking a winner. It’s about understanding their distinct roles in the EV ecosystem. They share the goal of open communication, but they operate at different layers of the infrastructure.
| Feature | OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) | OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol Purpose | Manages the connection between a charger and its central management system. | Enables communication between different charging networks and service providers. |
| Primary Role | Hardware control and station management. | Roaming and inter-network data exchange. |
| Communication Scope | Internal: Device-to-Backend. | External: Backend-to-Backend. |
| Target Users/Stakeholders | Station owners, site hosts, and hardware manufacturers. | Network operators (CPOs), e-mobility service providers (eMSPs), and drivers. |
| Core Functionality | Remote starts, firmware updates, and diagnostics. | Pricing transparency, location sharing, and unified billing. |
| EV Roaming Support | No, it is limited to a single network. | Yes, it is the industry standard for roaming. |
| Smart Charging Capability | High; controls power output at the hardware level. | Low; primarily communicates the intent or status of a session. |
| Real-Time Monitoring & Control | Real-time hardware telemetry and direct control. | Real-time session status and driver availability. |
| Architecture Layer (Device vs Network) | Device Layer: Focuses on the physical charger. | Network Layer: Focuses on the software ecosystem. |
| Vendor Dependency | Eliminates hardware lock-in. | Eliminates network “walled gardens.” |
| Scalability Impact | Allows adding unlimited chargers to one system. | Connects your EV charging network to millions of external drivers. |
| Implementation Complexity | Technical (hardware/software integration). | Operational (multi-party legal and data agreements). |
Our EV charging app development solutions deliver seamless OCPP and OCPI integration, enterprise-grade security, and performance built for growth. Whether you’re a startup or an established charging network, we help you launch with confidence.
Now, let’s understand the strengths and constraints of both protocols. It is essential to know to build a scalable EV infrastructure.
It prevents “vendor lock-in,” allowing hardware from one brand to work seamlessly with software from another.
Operators can remotely start/stop sessions, reboot chargers, and receive real-time error codes, reducing the need for on-site maintenance.
It supports load balancing, ensuring the grid isn’t overwhelmed by adjusting power output in response to demand.
With regular updates, it provides a robust framework for encrypted communication and data integrity.
OCPP connects a charger to its own house; it doesn’t help a driver from a different network use that charger.
You cannot use OCPP without a dedicated management platform (CSMS).
Discrepancies between OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1 can sometimes cause integration friction if hardware and software aren’t aligned.
It allows drivers to use chargers outside their home network using a single app or RFID card.
It bridges the gap between different charge point operators (CPOs) and e-Mobility service providers (eMSPs).
OCPI automates the exchange of pricing information, ensuring users see accurate costs and receive a single consolidated bill.
It provides real-time data on charger availability and location across various maps and apps.
OCPI cannot talk to the physical charger; it only communicates between server backends.
For a network to work, OCPP must manage the chargers internally before OCPI can share that data externally.
Managing data privacy and financial settlements between multiple parties requires significant technical overhead.
Deciding between OCPP and OCPI depends entirely on your position in the EV value chain. Most successful businesses eventually use both, but your starting point is defined by your core service.
If you are building a charging hardware ecosystem, then opt for OCPP. So, if you are a manufacturer or a site host, OCPP is non-negotiable. It allows you to manage your physical chargers, monitor uptime, and execute smart charging.
If you are building a roaming or network platform, then choose OCPI. So, if your goal is to connect drivers to various charging brands via a single app, OCPI is your tool. It serves as the interoperability framework that facilitates seamless data exchange between different network providers.
Moreover, startups are advised to begin with OCPP to establish basic hardware control. Enterprises scale by layering OCPI on top to invite roaming revenue from third-party partners.
Private fleets may only need OCPP for internal control. However, any public-facing network must implement OCPI to remain competitive in an open, interoperable market. Use OCPP for an infrastructure-heavy approach to asset management. On the other hand, use OCPI for a platform-centric strategy.
Yes, absolutely. In fact, both protocols are designed to complement each other. In a mature EV infrastructure, OCPP and OCPI function as a cohesive two-tier stack. OCPP manages vertical communication from the physical charger to the management cloud, and OCPI handles horizontal communication between management clouds.
Operators can maintain total control over their hardware via OCPP while simultaneously opening their stations to millions of external drivers through OCPI. This combination enables a driver to use a single app to access, start, and pay for a charge at a station they’ve never visited before.
The EV charging industry is moving toward a frictionless, “invisible” charging experience. As we look ahead, the evolution of OCPP and OCPI will define how we interact with energy and transportation.
The industry is rapidly moving away from legacy 1.6 systems. The new standard, 2.0.1, is now the baseline for modern installations, offering the robust cybersecurity and rich data diagnostics required for large-scale infrastructure.
Through OCPI, we are seeing a massive expansion of peer-to-peer roaming agreements. This allows EV drivers to cross borders and networks with a single payment identity.
Future protocols are no longer just about “plug and play.” They now support Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge). This allows EVs to act as mobile batteries, feeding power back to the grid during peak demand.
Protocols are becoming “AI-ready,” enabling chargers to automatically adjust power draw based on real-time grid health, weather forecasts, and renewable energy availability.
We build EV charging applications that fully support OCPP and OCPI standards. Whether you’re launching a new network or upgrading an existing one, we can help you design systems that scale reliably.
We at Moon Technolabs bridge the gap between complex energy protocols and user-centric mobility. We provide an extensive EV charging app development solution to build your platform on a robust foundation of OCPP (1.6/2.0.1) for precise hardware orchestration and OCPI (2.2.1/3.0) for seamless cross-network roaming.
We architect interoperable ecosystems. From implementing ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge) for a frictionless user experience to engineering smart load balancing that protects the grid, our solutions are designed for scalability.
Whether you are a Charge Point Operator (CPO) needing deep hardware diagnostics or an eMSP looking to expand your roaming footprint, we deliver secure applications that transform technical protocols into competitive business advantages.
Understanding the differences between OCPP and OCPI is essential for anyone in the electric vehicle charging sector. OCPP provides the essential link for hardware management and local site optimization. Whereas, OCPI acts as the bridge that connects disparate networks into a unified, driver-friendly ecosystem.
These protocols will continue to converge to address the complexities of global infrastructure. For site hosts, operators, and service providers, the golden rule is not to choose any single protocol, but to implement both to ensure maximum uptime, seamless roaming, and long-term scalability. By embracing these open standards, businesses can move beyond proprietary limitations and contribute to a truly green energy future.
01
02
03
04
05
Jayanti Katariya is the CEO of Moon Technolabs, a fast-growing IT solutions provider, with 18+ years of experience in the industry. Passionate about developing creative apps from a young age, he pursued an engineering degree to further this interest. Under his leadership, Moon Technolabs has helped numerous brands establish their online presence and he has also launched an invoicing software that assists businesses to streamline their financial operations.
Submitting the form below will ensure a prompt response from us.
We refine our expertise to deliver innovative business solutions.
500 N Michigan Avenue, #600, Chicago IL 60611
13500 Long Is Dr, Pflugerville, TX 78660, USA
C-105, Ganesh Meridian, S.G. Highway, Ahmedabad, GJ 380060
France“ I highly recommend Moon Technolabs as the quality of service is wonderful. We have hired this company to develop the product based on some complex & technical issues. We get the best quality services as compared with others in the market. Huge Thanks to Moon Technolabs as the team is always ready to give the solution all time.”
USA“ Moon Technolabs is a pioneer in the WebRTC based project as they have fixed complicated segments of the module by fulfilling different product lines by providing 24X7 customer support. We really recommended Moon Technolabs as they are able to develop products as per the module deadline and project timeline.”
Germany“I am happy to recommend Moon Technolabs for their app development services. They successfully developed apps for me, and I am highly satisfied with the overall outcomes. The development team has swiftly addressed the issues with responsive and effective communication to understand the requirement quickly and actively resolve the back-and-forth problems that arose...”
USA“Moon Technolabs is the best company that provides advanced apps and websites development services in the USA and Europe. I am a newbie to develop my app with an external team. I am really happy to work with them as I am not that much mobile apps user. Here, the team and specially the CEO of Moon Technolabs helps me to let me know about the benefits of my app to generate revenue....”
