What is the difference between OCPP and OCPI?

OCPP connects a charger to its management software; OCPI connects charging services so they can exchange information and support roaming. OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1 are not compatible, according to the Open Charge Alliance [S1]. Ask for the exact versions, tested functions and contractual switching rights before buying equipment. Checked October 2026.

Last checked 16 October 2026

What does OCPP mean for your business chargers?

Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is the language between a charging station and its charging station management system. The management system is the software used to supervise the equipment. OCPP supports functions including remote management and smart charging [S1]. Your buying question is whether the proposed equipment and software perform the functions your site needs together.

For a hotel, ask the supplier to demonstrate guest authorisation and a completed charging record. For a depot, ask it to demonstrate a charging schedule that meets vehicle departure needs. For public bays, ask to see a paid session followed through to your settlement report. Write these demonstrations into the acceptance checklist.

Do not accept a protocol logo as the entire specification. Record the charger model, installed firmware, software service, supported functions and party responsible for faults. Specify who gives your site manager access to reports, and who can change the settings if the original contractor stops supporting the installation.

What is the difference between OCPP and OCPI?

Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) connects organisations running charging services. It can exchange locations, availability, tariffs, authorisation and session information [S2]. Think of your procurement in terms of the connections you need, rather than collecting acronyms. The e-mobility service provider definition helps distinguish the driver account role in that discussion.

The protocol roles in the first two rows come from their respective standards bodies [S1], [S2]. The evidence column is a suggested buying checklist. Ask who handles a failed authorisation, a missing receipt or an incorrect tariff. You want a named support route rather than responsibility passed between software contractors.

Which OCPP version should you specify?

The Open Charge Alliance says OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1 are not compatible. It describes additional device management, security and smart charging features in 2.0.1, with further bidirectional functionality in 2.1 [S1]. A higher version number alone does not settle which equipment fits your project.

Start with your required functions. Ask prospective suppliers to mark each as included, optional or unavailable, then demonstrate the important ones. Include remote restart, reporting, access control and the charging limits your electrical designer requires. Compare the actual installed configuration rather than a development roadmap.

Ask for certification evidence. The certification programme checks implementations against the protocol specification [S3]. Match the certificate to the offered product and ask which optional functions were tested. Keep that evidence with your commissioning documents. If you later replace software, use the same checklist to test the replacement before moving every bay.

Can you change charging software without replacing the chargers?

Treat switching as a contract and acceptance question. Ask the supplier to demonstrate a move to an alternative management system using the proposed charger. Agree who supplies administrator access, connection settings and security credentials, and who pays for the work. Have your solicitor check termination and access clauses.

Request a written exit schedule covering:

• Your rights to session records, invoices and settlement exports.
• Responsibility for communications equipment and ongoing connectivity.
• Permission to change the management-system address and security settings.
• Support during migration, including unresolved driver payments.
• Removal, reinstatement and access if the equipment owner leaves your site.

For a fully funded arrangement, the equipment owner operates the chargers and your rights depend on the agreement. With part funded equipment, document ownership and switching authority explicitly. For self funded equipment, ask who controls the accounts you need to exercise your ownership. Compare the funding models before accepting an exit fee or a long commitment.

Does OCPI support public charging compliance?

DfT guidance specifies OCPI 2.2.1 for required public chargepoint data. It also covers payment roaming and other operator duties [S4]. The EVRoaming Foundation describes newer OCPI developments [S2]; do not assume that a newer-version sales claim, by itself, demonstrates compliance with the version named in UK guidance.

Ask the operator to show the data feed for your actual installation and explain who maintains its accuracy. Check the address, access hours, connector details, tariff and availability. Then ask how corrections are made when parking access changes or equipment is out of service. Keep this operational responsibility in the contract. Include map listings and correction routes in that handover discussion.

Smart equipment requirements are a separate issue. The private smart charge point rules include electricity supplier interoperability and continued charging after loss of communications [S5]. Read the smart charge point guide and the public charging checklist with your supplier. Check the classification with your solicitor where access arrangements are unclear.

What should you do next?

Prepare your required functions, access arrangements and proposed ownership model. Ask for demonstrations, certificate details and a written switching schedule alongside the installation price. Use the maintenance guide to compare support responsibilities.

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