Charging protocol guide

OCPP protocol:
what it is and how it works

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is the open protocol enabling chargers to communicate with a central management platform. It lets operators monitor stations, administer sessions and act remotely without depending on one hardware manufacturer.

See how it works Explore the CPO platform

MeCharge editorial team · Technical review: platform team · Updated 10 November 2026

Open protocolOCPP

ChargerCharge Point

OCPPtwo-way exchange

PlatformCSMS / CPO area

Statusin real time

Sessionsoperational data

Commandsremotely

A common language between charging infrastructure and the management system.

The connection

How the OCPP protocol works

OCPP defines the language used by a charging station and a Charging Station Management System (CSMS) to exchange information. The CSMS is the central system used by the CPO, the operator managing one or more charging points.

A connected charger can communicate availability, connector status, session start and end, energy delivered and faults. The platform can respond with authorisations and commands permitted by the station's configuration.

From station to control centre

What OCPP can manage

The functions actually available depend on the protocol version, charger model, firmware and platform used.

Status and availability

Check the station's connection, connectors and operational availability.

Charging sessions

Record session start, stop, duration, energy and operational information.

Authorisations

Manage identifiers authorised to use the charging point, according to configuration.

Remote commands

Start, stop, restart and other operations supported by the station and authorised by the platform.

Diagnostics

Report errors and events to identify faults and plan interventions.

Smart charging

Smart charging profiles and logic, where supported by the complete technical configuration.

Evolution of the standard

OCPP 1.6, 2.0.1 and 2.1

The Open Charge Alliance lists three currently available versions. They are neither equivalent nor automatically compatible: check version, profiles and implementation before connecting a station.

OCPP 1.6Published in 2015

Still widely used. Supports JSON and SOAP, status management, local lists and smart charging functions.

OCPP 2.0.1Published in 2020

Introduces more advanced device management, greater security, improved transactions and ISO 15118 support.

OCPP 2.1Published in 2025

Extends OCPP 2.0.1 with bidirectional charging, ISO 15118-20, energy resource control and new payment options.

Technical source: Open Charge Alliance – Open Charge Point Protocol. OCPP 2.0.1 edition 3 was approved as IEC 63584 in 2024.

Different protocols, different roles

OCPP is not the same as OCPI or ISO 15118

These standards operate at different points in the charging ecosystem.

ProtocolConnectsMain purpose

OCPPCharger ↔ CSMS platformTechnical and operational station management

OCPICPO operators ↔ eMSP providersRoaming, location, prices and data exchange between networks

ISO 15118Vehicle ↔ chargerVehicle communication, Plug & Charge and advanced functions

OCPP in the MeCharge platform

From compatibility to daily operation

MeCharge uses OCPP to connect and manage compatible chargers in its CPO platform. Operators bring network status, sessions, charging data and operational commands into one control area.

Compatibility depends on more than the OCPP label: version, firmware, configuration and implemented functions must be checked for the specific model.

Before connection we check

charger model and manufacturer;
available OCPP version and mode;
connectivity and endpoint configuration;
correct exchange of statuses, sessions and commands;
operational functions required by the project.

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Frequently asked questions

Essential OCPP answers

What is the OCPP protocol?

OCPP is an open communication protocol between a charging station and its central management system, called a CSMS. It standardises the exchange of statuses, sessions, authorisations and commands.

What is OCPP used for in chargers?

It connects chargers to a central platform for monitoring, session administration, access management, alerts and supported remote commands.

Does an OCPP charger work with any platform?

Not automatically. Protocol version, implemented profiles, firmware, configuration and actual station–platform compatibility must be checked.

What is the difference between OCPP and OCPI?

OCPP connects the charger to its central management system. OCPI exchanges information between CPO operators and eMSP mobility providers, for example in roaming networks.

Does MeCharge manage chargers through OCPP?

Yes. The MeCharge CPO platform uses OCPP to connect compatible chargers. Model, version and required functions are checked during connection.

How do I know if my charger uses OCPP?

Check its specification sheet or ask the manufacturer or installer whether it supports OCPP 1.6 JSON and allows an external management server to be set.

Can I change management software without changing the charger?

This may be possible if you can access settings and the device allows the server address and ID to change. Firmware and any existing service restrictions must also be checked.

My installer needs the server address: where do I find it?

After registration, the MeCharge CPO area displays the address and assigned charger ID. You can also download the guide and send it to your technician.

Have an OCPP charger?