Comparison of OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) Versions

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is the core open communication protocol between electric vehicle charging stations and the CSMS (Construction System Management System) , developed by the Open Charging Alliance (OCA). Its core version has undergone multiple iterations, evolving from early basic communication to support smart charging, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) interaction, and energy internet integration.

I. Major Historical Versions (Omitted)

• OCPP 1.2 (2010) : The first official version, based on SOAP/ XML , with extremely simple functions, supporting only basic start-stop and billing.

• OCPP 1.5 (2012) : Improved basic operations, local authorization list, and simple status monitoring; widely used in early domestic stubs.

II. Mainstream Current Version: OCPP 1.6 (2015)

It is currently the most widely used and highest market share de facto standard in the world.

• Core features :

• Dual transmission modes: OCPP 1.6J ( JSON /WebSocket) (mainstream), OCPP 1.6S (SOAP/XML) (older)

• Basic intelligent charging: static load balancing , charging configuration files

• Basic security: Optional TLS, Basic Auth (username/password)

• Local whitelist, remote configuration, firmware upgrade, fault reporting

• Limitations : No native V2G, no strong security, no complete device model, and does not support plug-and-charge (PNC).

III. Next-generation mainstream standard: OCPP 2.0.1 (2020)

It was officially adopted as an IEC international standard (IEC 63584) in 2024 and is the preferred choice for new projects.

• Core upgrade (compared to 1.6) :

i. Security Revolution : Mandating TLS 1.2+, Two-Way Certificate Authentication, Secure Firmware Updates, and Tamper-Proofing

ii. Smart charging : dynamic power adjustment, grid collaboration, native support for ISO 15118 (plug-and-charge PNC)

iii. Equipment Management : Complete equipment data model, refined monitoring, remote diagnostics

iv. Transaction Enhancement : Composite Billing, Prepayment, Dynamic QR Codes, Multi-Period Pricing

v. Communication optimizations : WebSocket, message compression, event-driven (TransactionEvent)

• Status : Mandatory requirements in Europe and America, rapid adaptation to new domestic platforms/pile systems, gradually replacing 1.6.

  
  

IV. Latest Future Version: OCPP 2.1 (2025)

Fully compatible with version 2.0.1, designed for large-scale deployment of the energy internet and V2G.

• New core capabilities

• Deep V2G : Fully supports bidirectional vehicle-to-grid discharge (V2G/V2H/V2B)

• Distributed Energy System (DER) Integration : Linking Photovoltaics, Energy Storage, and Microgrids (IEEE 2030.5)

• Communication efficiency : binary compression, message chunking, and support for very large data packets .

• New scenarios : native support for battery swapping stations, high-power supercharging, and fleet aggregation

• Intelligent optimization : AI-assisted load forecasting and minimizing energy costs

V. Core Version Comparison (Quick Overview)

VI. Selection Recommendations

• For existing property renovation/low-cost projects : continue using OCPP 1.6J (mature ecosystem, low cost).

• New/compliant/overseas projects : must comply with OCPP 2.0.1 (security, intelligence, international standards).

• V2G/PV-Storage-Charging/Battery Swapping Stations : Directly Adopting OCPP 2.1 (Future-Oriented)