EV charging technology is rapidly evolving, and one key term every business investing in EV infrastructure should understand is OCPP, or Open Charge Point Protocol. Recently, EVBox became one of the first charging station manufacturers to earn official OCPP certification, highlighting the significance of interoperability in EV charging.

But what exactly is OCPP, and why is it critical for your investment in EV charging infrastructure? Let’s dive into this important concept.

Understanding OCPP: What Does It Mean?

OCPP stands for Open Charge Point Protocol. Simply put, it’s an open-source standard that allows charging station hardware and network management software from different vendors to communicate seamlessly. OCPP-compliant charging stations can operate with various OCPP-compliant software systems, creating flexibility and choice.

In other words, choosing OCPP-certified hardware means you’re not locked into a single software solution or vendor, providing greater flexibility for your business in the long term.

Why OCPP Certification Is Crucial for EV Charging Infrastructure

Selecting OCPP-certified solutions can significantly impact your EV charging investments. Here are four key reasons why OCPP certification matters more than you might think:

1. Avoiding Stranded Assets

Stranded assets occur when purchased hardware relies exclusively on proprietary software from a vendor that might later become insolvent. If your EV charging provider uses a proprietary standard and goes out of business, your chargers become unusable, rendering your investment worthless.

Historical examples include:

• Avaya (2017): Bankruptcy left businesses with unsupported communication equipment.
• SunEdison (2016): Bankruptcy left solar panel owners unable to monitor energy usage through proprietary apps.
• Ecotality (2013): Bankruptcy disrupted owners of Blink EV chargers, temporarily leaving their stations unusable.

Choosing OCPP-certified solutions protects against this risk. If your software provider exits the market, you can simply transition to another compatible network without replacing your hardware.

2. Preventing Vendor Lock-In

Vendor lock-in occurs when your charging station hardware exclusively supports the vendor’s own software, limiting your flexibility. If your vendor raises prices or offers poor service, you have no choice but to accept their terms or completely replace your hardware.

For instance, if a vendor increases its network fees by 25%, you’re stuck paying higher prices unless you replace all your chargers—an expensive and disruptive option. With OCPP-certified equipment, you have the freedom to switch providers at any time, keeping your operational costs predictable and manageable.

3. Encouraging Innovation and Reducing Costs

With OCPP standards in place, EV charging manufacturers and software providers face continuous pressure to innovate and maintain competitive pricing. Businesses with OCPP-compatible stations can easily switch providers if competitors offer better features or lower costs.

This market pressure means EV charging providers are motivated to consistently improve their products and services. As a business owner, this ensures you always have access to innovative, cost-effective solutions without replacing existing hardware.

4. Enhancing the EV Driver Experience

For EV drivers, OCPP-compliant infrastructure improves access, affordability, and convenience. OCPP-certified charging stations work with multiple networks, enabling drivers to easily charge regardless of their subscription. This openness creates more charging options and reduces the chance of price gouging due to monopolies.

Without open standards, drivers might face higher prices at proprietary charging stations because no competitive alternatives exist nearby. With OCPP, pricing remains competitive, fair, and transparent—creating a better experience for EV drivers everywhere.

Ensuring Your Charging Hardware Is Truly OCPP-Compliant

To guarantee genuine OCPP compliance, the Open Charge Alliance (OCA) established an official OCPP certification process. OCA, an industry consortium comprising over 150 public and private e-mobility organizations, manages and promotes the OCPP standard globally.

Previously, businesses had to rely solely on vendors’ assurances of compliance. Now, with formal OCPP certification available, customers can confidently identify equipment that truly meets open standards. EVBox, as a pioneering member of the OCA, was among the first manufacturers globally to achieve official OCPP certification for its charging station hardware.

Final Thoughts

OCPP certification isn’t just industry jargon; it’s an essential factor to consider when investing in EV charging infrastructure. Choosing OCPP-certified equipment ensures your charging stations remain operational, flexible, cost-effective, and future-ready.

As electric mobility continues to accelerate globally, open standards like OCPP will become increasingly critical. Ensure your EV charging investment remains viable and adaptable by selecting OCPP-certified hardware and software solutions.