The Importance of an OCPP-Compliant EV Landscape

What is OCPP?

OCPP stands for Open Charge Point Protocol. It is the language that allows for communication between an electric vehicle (EV) charger and the networked system managing it, or between hardware and software.

Created by the Open Charge Alliance in the Netherlands, OCPP facilitates a faster transition to clean energy by enabling free, seamless connections between electric vehicle (EV) chargers and administrative software that install it. Any backend software that programs OCPP can partake in remote access to EV charger data. For Variablegrid, using this open-source network allows our Automated Energy Management platform to connect to any brand of OCPP-compliant charger.

Why is OCPP important?

Variablegrid’s EV smart chargers (The VarianR40 and VarianRS40) are OCPP-compliant, offering numerous advantages for users. Here are the benefits that come with choosing OCPP compliance when installing EV chargers:

Security

OCPP adheres to widely adopted, rigorous industry standards, ensuring reliable operation and enhanced security. This dependability allows users to expect a more consistent charger experience across the board. It offers peace of mind through its adaptability; if you encounter issues with your EV energy management system (EVEMS), you can update or switch software to stay current. Variablegrid’s commitment to keeping our innovative solutions as updated and future-proof as possible is supported by the forward-thinking nature of the OCPP landscape. Feel secure knowing that our OCPP-compliant products are designed with the future in mind. 

Flexibility

The importance of OCPP compliance will only continue to grow as more companies adopt it. In 2022, a staggering 70% of EV charge points are OCPP-compliant (Ampcontrol), meaning OCPP-compliant vehicle owners have access to a vast number of chargers while they are on the go, adding flexibility for users. 

At the same time, Variablegrid’s EVEMS controllers (the VarianPro and VarianHome) are compatible with any OCPP-compliant EV charger. The interoperability of Variablegrid’s adaptive charging solutions allow them to remain accessible even if you already have a different EV charger installed, ensuring optimal flexibility. New installers can purchase Variablegrid’s VarianR40 and VarianRS40 chargers for optimal ease and user-friendly integration of our EVEMS through OCPP. Single-family homeowners have access to the VarianHome bundle, which conveniently combines the EVEMS controllers with chargers.

Accessibility

OCPP compliance aligns with Variablegrid’s core values of delivering smart, sustainable EV charging solutions to everyone by making EV charging networks more available. By allowing all chargers to speak the same language, OCPP promotes a collaborative EV ecosystem while increasing owner freedom. More options for EV charger users means more EV adoption, and a faster transition to sustainable transportation. 

Choose an OCPP Compliant EV Charger for the Most Seamless User Experience

Variablegrid’s EVEMS uses its patented technology to dynamically allocate energy to EV chargers based on available capacity, regardless of apparent electrical infrastructure limitations. We enable savings of up to hundreds of thousands of dollars for homeowners who would otherwise need servicing upgrades. These special management capabilities are only possible when there is a source connecting the EVEMS to EV chargers, and OCPP can provide this connection.

OCPP allows Variablegrid to do what we do best, but it also allows for a more stable, equitable, and flexible EV landscape where hardware and software interact and unite.

---

By Danielle Shefley