OCPP Platform Explained: The Real Differences Between OCPP Backend, CPO Platform And Charger Cloud
The world of electric vehicle charging has grown in many ways over the last 20 years, beginning with the invention of the modern lithium-ion battery that helped make EVs a practical mode of transportation, which culminated in the introduction of the Tesla Roadster in 2006 and Nissan Leaf in 2010. Technological advancements quickly accelerated as EV interest grew, with more intuitive smart charging software, safer lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, increased battery capacity, regenerative braking and 800-volt architectures that resulted in significantly faster charging speeds, to name a few.
However, along with these expansile developments came a corresponding explosion of technical terms that, for many, became hopelessly synonymous with each other even though they possessed vastly different meanings in practice – perhaps none more so than those associated with open charge point protocol (OCPP) platforms. Terms like charger cloud, OCPP backend, network and EV charging API became conflated, systematically resulting in, at best, a loss of nuance between similar concepts and, at worst, the wholesale interchanging of key terms with totally separate definitions.
The following information, therefore, is meant to be a technical guide for buyers and operators of EV infrastructure as well as industry enthusiasts who pride themselves on being in the know, exploring the differences between critical OCPP-related terms and how each one affects considerations like installation, testing and migration.
Definitions
Six terms commonly (and erroneously) used interchangeably when referring to OCPP-based EV charging station software include: 1) OCPP backend; 2) charge point operator (CPO) platform; 3) charger cloud; 4) EV charging API; 5) charging software; and 6) network/operator layer. To fully understand how each of these vital components contributes to the efficacy of OCPP EV chargers, we must first define what each one means.
1) OCPP Backend is a server-side system that communicates directly with the EV chargers, sending commands like firmware updates or session starts and stops while simultaneously receiving status updates like charger availability, energy usage and system failures. In essence, it acts as the brain of the platform, managing charger behavior in real time. A technical control layer that speaks a standardized language.
2) CPO Platform means the complete software suite used by the owner and operator of the OCPP EV chargers – a sort of business and operations layer for managing the charging network via the OCPP backend. Functions include handling pricing, user access and billing; integrating with roaming partners and third-party payment systems; and providing dashboards, reporting and analytics.
3) Charger Cloud refers to a remote, secure infrastructure layer accessed via the internet where charger data, services and control systems live. It hosts the OCPP backend and CPO platform, enables scalability and stores session data, diagnostics and usage history.
4) EV Charging APIs are a set of programmable interfaces that allow external systems to interact with the OCPP platform. Think of it as the integration layer – a way for outside software to connect to the charging network ecosystem, enabling the integration of fleet management software, the operation of charging sessions through mobile apps, or the implementation of energy management protocols by utility companies.
5) Charging Software is a broad umbrella term covering all digital tools used in EV charging, including OCPP backend, charging APIs and the CPO platform. It refers to any and all software used to operate, manage or interact with the EV charging process.
6) Network/Operator Layer is the human-controlled organizational and functional layer responsible for running the EV charging network in the real world. This includes the CPO, network management policies, uptime management, pricing strategy, customer support and maintenance coordination.
Here is a simple stack showing how they all fit together from hardware to human:
1) EV Chargers (Hardware) 2) OCPP Backend: controls the chargers 3) Charger Cloud: hosts everything 4) CPO Platform / Charging Software: operates the network 5) EV Charging APIs: connects to external systems 6) Operator Layer: runs the network strategically 7) Operator (Humans)
Why OCPP Matters
OCPP acts as a “universal language” that allows chargers from nearly any manufacturer to communicate with the EV charging station software seamlessly. This is crucial for a number of reasons.
1) Interoperability: An OCPP platform allows the pairing of any OCPP-compliant EV charger with any OCPP-compliant charge point management system (CPMS), thereby eliminating vendor lock-in, which allows operators to easily switch hardware if a manufacturer goes out of business or offers poor service.
2) Future-Proofing: OCPP-compliant software systems are designed to adapt to new and rapidly evolving technologies via over-the-air updates, with newer versions ensuring operability with both older hardware and charger models yet to be invented.
3) Enhanced Functionality: OCPP facilitates smart charging capabilities for better control, including dynamic load management (which allows chargers to adjust power consumption based on grid capacity), real-time diagnostics, firmware updates and remote troubleshooting features.
4) Cost Efficiency: The open competition between hardware manufacturers that is perpetuated by OCPP technology lowers prices and remote troubleshooting reduces the need for costly on-site maintenance.
5) Security: Modern OCPP platforms include state-of-the-art security features like TLS encryption that is crucial for securing payment data and preventing cyberattacks.
Two OCPP communication standards are primarily being used today: version 1.6 and version 2.0.1. OCPP 1.6 was introduced in 2015 byOpen Charge Alliance (OCA) and became widely adopted due to its fluid interoperability with most EV charging stations and limited smart-charging functions. The platform served as a stark contrast to closed or proprietary charging protocols used by providers like ChargePoint.
Then, in 2020, OCA released OCPP 2.0.1, a major update that vastly improved security, support, transaction handling and device management capabilities. Recent data suggests approximately 90% of OCPP-compliant chargers still use version 1.6, while less than 10% use 2.0.1, but providers like Epic Charging are helping operators easily upgrade for more optimal command and control.
Understanding key differences between OCPP platforms, including their various components and versions, is an important aspect in selecting the right software provider. The below chart breaks down the material terms discussed so far by definition, what each one controls and their differences in a 1.6 versus 2.0.1 ecosystem.
Term
Definition
What It Controls
OCPP 1.6 vs 2.0.1
OCPP Backend
Server system that communicates directly with chargers via OCPP
1.6: Operational workarounds often needed
2.0.1: Better reliability, diagnostics and automation improve operations
Architecture Overview
OCPP platforms use a client-server architecture for real-time bidirectional communication, transaction management, smart charging and remote diagnostics, which effectively prevents operators from being locked in to one particular hardware supplier. Here is a breakdown of how the various elements defined above manifest within a successful OCPP platform:
Client-Server Model: Charging stations (client) connect directly to the CPMS (server).
Device Management: Enabling remote firmware updates, diagnostics and configuration of charging stations.
Message Formats: Utilizing JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) in both OCPP 1.6J and 2.0.1, for structured, easy-to-parse data exchanges.
Smart Charging: Supporting local and central load balancing to optimize power distribution from the meter to the charging port.
Security: Implementing security profiles, most often Mutual TLS (mTLS) for authenticated connections.
Transaction Handling: Managing authorizations like RFID, start/stop charging instructions and real-time billing data collection.
Transport Layer: Using technology called WebSockets (WS) or Secure WebSockets (WSS) for real-time, bidirectional, lightweight communication.
Versions: While 1.6J is the current industry standard, 2.0.1 offers greatly improved device modeling and enhanced security.
Testing And Roll-Out
Understanding the different terms referenced herein is most relevant when you can convert that knowledge into practice. Implementing an OCPP platform is not merely a software launch; it’s a major deployment coordinating hardware, software and field operations. End-to-end functional testing of the charging software across numerous charger models for uniform operability is crucial when validating behavior in a multitude of environments, like those with bad connectivity, mixed hardware or high load conditions.
Formal certification by the OCA is helpful, but network providers like Epic Charging perform rigorous additional testing from two interdependent perspectives. First, the operator. Is the firmware performing as designed? Is real-time data being accurately transmitted? Is payment processing successful? Can the network be scaled quickly as interest grows? Second, the driver. Is the charging app reliable? How long to start charging? Are there any error messages? Is the pricing and payment model clear?
The reality is even OCPP-compliant chargers will sometimes require vendor-specific workarounds, which top network providers can address with alacrity. But ultimately, the lynchpin of robust testing during roll-outs will invariably focus on ensuring easy operation by both operator and driver, maximized uptime and a positive overall customer experience.
Migration Considerations
A simple principle states that if you can’t migrate one charger seamlessly, you certainly can’t migrate a thousand. Seamless migration starts with adequate planning for a hybrid environment since legacy (1.6J) and more modern (2.0.1) chargers may coexist under a single operator, even on the same property, and not all hardware can be upgraded. Success depends largely on the careful management of firmware limitations, data integrity and active charging sessions to avoid billing errors and service disruptions. Fortunately, an OCPP-based CPMS offers the most flexibility across all of these areas.
Equally important is the software provider’s ability to re-provision older EV chargers, which entails resetting or updating network configurations, protocols, EV charging APIs, settings and integrations while maintaining feature parity on the CPO platform, all without exposing the charger to hacking or data theft. The best providers will undoubtedly have a significant track record doing this during migrations.
FAQ’S
Q: As a site host, does utilizing an OCPP platform make switching vendors completely frictionless?
A: While OCPP virtually eliminates vendor lock-in, the process of switching vendors may require careful consideration of charger capabilities, firmware functionality, integration limitations and feature support, which can create switching costs. While OCPP platforms offer far more flexibility than proprietary systems, choosing a software provider with a strong track record of interoperability, migration, scaling and uptime will be crucial to minimizing friction when switching.
Q: How does a CPO platform impact my revenue and pricing control?
A: An effective CPO platform gives the operator direct control over pricing strategy, including time-of-use pricing (peak versus off-peak), variable fee models (per session versus energy-based versus a hybrid of the two), and promotional or amenity options (free charging for residents or customers). However, more dynamic, advanced pricing scenarios may require the type of strong backend logic found only in OCPP 2.0.1.
Q: What level of reliability and uptime should I realistically expect with an OCPP backend?
A: Actual performance depends on the quality of the charging hardware, network connectivity in the area, firmware stability and maintenance response times. That said, top software providers like Epic Charging realize average charger uptimes of 95-99% through real-time monitoring and alerts, remote diagnostics and resets, industry-leading fault visibility and an ultra-responsive 24/7 customer support system.
Want to know more about how OCPP EV chargers can work for you? Contact us today for an obligation-free consultation.