1. Clear Definition
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is the industry-standard application-layer protocol responsible for communication between EV charging stations (charge points) and central management systems (CSMS—Charge Point Management Systems).
OCPP 2.0.1 is the latest stable version of this protocol, finalized in 2020. It represents a significant evolution from OCPP 1.6 (introduced around 2015), adding advanced features for smart charging, enhanced security, device management, and ISO 15118 integration.
Key Insight: OCPP ensures that chargers from any vendor can connect with any backend system, avoiding proprietary vendor lock-in and enabling scalable, multi-site deployments.
2. Application Scenarios
Scenario Description Why OCPP 2.0.1 Matters
Large-Scale Public Networks Hundreds of chargers across multiple sites Device management, remote diagnostics, unified control
Smart Charging Deployments Grid-aware, price-responsive charging Dynamic charging profiles, real-time load management
V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) Bidirectional energy flow between EVs and grid Native ISO 15118-20 integration
Plug & Charge Networks Automated authentication without RFID/apps Built-in ISO 15118 Plug & Charge support
Multi-Vendor Environments Mix of hardware brands on one management platform Interoperability, no vendor lock-in
Future-Ready Deployments Long-term infrastructure investments Future-proofed for V2G and advanced features
3. Technical Evolution: OCPP 1.6 vs. OCPP 2.0.1
3.1 OCPP 1.6 (The Foundation)
OCPP 1.6 is the most widely deployed version in commercial EV charging networks. It provides:
Basic transaction control and status notifications
Fixed charging profiles (static scheduling)
Core operational functions like remote start/stop
JSON over WebSocket for modern CSMS integrations
3.2 OCPP 2.0.1 (The Evolution)
OCPP 2.0.1 was built for large-scale, modern networks with:
Richer device model: Hierarchical EVSE/connector structure
Dynamic smart charging: Real-time, grid-aware charging profiles
Native Plug & Charge: Built-in ISO 15118 support
Advanced diagnostics: Detailed component data, remote logs
Secure firmware updates: Signed pushes, automatic logging
V2G readiness: ISO 15118-20 alignment
Important: OCPP 2.0.1 is not backward-compatible with OCPP 1.6.
4. Comparison Table: OCPP 1.6 vs. OCPP 2.0.1
Feature OCPP 1.6 OCPP 2.0.1
Release Year ~2015 2020
Device Model Flat (connector-level) Hierarchical (EVSE/connector structure)
Smart Charging Static profiles Dynamic, real-time profiles
Plug & Charge Custom workarounds needed Native ISO 15118 support
V2G Support ❌ Not supported ✅ ISO 15118-20 integration
Device Management Basic Granular, component-level
Remote Firmware Limited Secure, signed updates
Security Basic TLS Advanced TLS, certificates, RBAC
Transaction Mgmt Basic Advanced, unified events
Backward Compatibility N/A ❌ Not compatible with 1.6
Typical Use Cases Destination, workplace charging Large networks, V2G, future-proof
5. Key Features of OCPP 2.0.1
5.1 Dynamic Smart Charging
OCPP 2.0.1 enables real-time charging profiles that adjust to:
Grid constraints and load conditions
Time-of-day electricity rates
Renewable energy availability
Local controller inputs
5.2 Native Plug & Charge (PnC)
For the first time, OCPP natively supports ISO 15118’s certificate-based Plug & Charge:
Drivers simply plug in and charge—no RFID cards or apps
Payment and authentication handled automatically
Eliminates the need for custom workarounds required in OCPP 1.6
5.3 Advanced Diagnostics & Maintenance
The Device Model exposes detailed component and sensor data:
Remote retrieval of full charger logs and status
Proactive fault detection and resolution
Secure remote firmware updates
Automatic logging for uptime optimization
5.4 Optimized Transactions and Payments
Unified transaction events
Standard payment flows supporting contactless, app-based, and Plug & Charge
Flexibility for multiple payment providers
5.5 V2G and Renewable Energy Readiness
Aligned with ISO 15118-20 for bidirectional charging
Native support for reverse power flow and grid services negotiation
Essential for future energy markets
6. Technical Architecture Diagram
text
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ OCPP 2.0.1 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ CHARGE POINT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CSMS) │ │
│ │ ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ • Billing & Payments • Roaming Management │ │ │
│ │ │ • Smart Charging Logic • Load Balancing │ │ │
│ │ │ • Diagnostics & Analytics • Firmware Management │ │ │
│ │ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ └───────────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ │ OCPP 2.0.1 over WebSocket │
│ │ (TLS/HTTPS, JSON) │
│ ▼ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ CHARGING STATION (EVSE) │ │
│ │ ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ OCPP 2.0.1 Client (Embedded) │ │ │
│ │ │ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ Device │ │ Smart │ │ ISO 15118 │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ Management │ │ Charging │ │ Integration│ │ │ │
│ │ │ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │ │ │
│ │ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ EVSE Layer (Hierarchical Device Model)[reference:105] │ │ │
│ │ │ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ Connector│ │ Connector│ │ Connector│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ 1 │ │ 2 │ │ N │ │ │ │
│ │ │ └──────────┘ └──────────┘ └──────────┘ │ │ │
│ │ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ └───────────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ │ ISO 15118 / DIN 70121 (PLC) │
│ ▼ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ ELECTRIC VEHICLE │ │
│ │ ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ BMS (Battery Management System) │ │ │
│ │ │ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ EVCC │ │ PLC Modem │ │ │ │
│ │ │ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │ │ │
│ │ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
7. Standards & Protocols
Standard Description Relationship with OCPP 2.0.1
OCPP 2.0.1 Charger-to-backend communication Core protocol for this article
ISO 15118 Vehicle-to-charger communication Integrated natively for Plug & Charge and V2G
ISO 15118-20 Second-generation V2G communication Supported for bidirectional charging
IEC 61851 General charging safety Underlying safety framework
TLS/HTTPS Secure data transmission Required for OCPP 2.0.1 security
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is OCPP 2.0.1 backward compatible with OCPP 1.6?
A: No. OCPP 2.0.1 is not backward-compatible with OCPP 1.6. Networks upgrading from 1.6 to 2.0.1 require planning and may need hardware or firmware updates.
Q2: Why should I choose OCPP 2.0.1 over OCPP 1.6?
A: Choose OCPP 2.0.1 if you need:
Dynamic smart charging (real-time grid-aware profiles)
Native Plug & Charge support
V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) capabilities
Advanced device diagnostics and remote management
Future-proof infrastructure
Q3: What is the difference between OCPP 2.0.1 and ISO 15118?
A: They operate at different layers:
OCPP 2.0.1: Communication between charger and backend (CSMS)
ISO 15118: Communication between vehicle and charger (EV-EVSE)
OCPP 2.0.1 integrates ISO 15118 for features like Plug & Charge and V2G
Q4: What is Plug & Charge and how does OCPP 2.0.1 support it?
A: Plug & Charge allows automatic authentication and billing simply by plugging in. OCPP 2.0.1 is the first version with built-in support for ISO 15118’s certificate-based PnC flow. OCPP 1.6 requires custom workarounds.
Q5: Does OCPP 2.0.1 support V2G?
A: Yes. OCPP 2.0.1 integrates with ISO 15118-20 for bidirectional Vehicle-to-Grid charging, enabling EVs to supply energy back to the grid.
Q6: How many OCPP 2.0.1 certified chargers are currently available?
A: As of 2025, the number is still limited. Globally, only about 19 DC chargers have received OCPP 2.0.1 (Core & Advanced Security) certification, though adoption is accelerating.
Q7: What security features does OCPP 2.0.1 offer?
A: OCPP 2.0.1 includes:
TLS protocol for data transmission
Secure WebSockets (WSS) for encrypted communication
Digital certificates for authentication
Role-based access control
Signed firmware updates
Q8: Will OCPP 1.6 chargers become obsolete?
A: Not immediately. OCPP 1.6 remains widely deployed and supported. However, for new deployments, OCPP 2.0.1 is recommended for future-proofing, especially with regulatory requirements like EU 2025/656 driving adoption of ISO 15118 standards.
9. Share Charging: Our Real-World Project Capabilities
Share Charging (Shanghai Xier Zhichong) is at the forefront of OCPP and ISO 15118 communication technology, providing complete EV-EVSE communication solutions.
🔹 Core Technical Capabilities
Capability Description
OCPP 2.0.1 Support Full implementation for charger-to-backend communication
ISO 15118 Integration Native Plug & Charge and V2G support
SECC Solutions Supply Equipment Communication Controller for charging stations
EVCC Solutions Electric Vehicle Communication Controller for vehicles
Protocol Stacks DIN 70121, ISO 15118-2, ISO 15118-20
V2G Protocol Stack Complete bidirectional charging support
🔹 Standards & Compliance
OCPP 1.6J and OCPP 2.0.1 compliant
ISO 15118-2 and ISO 15118-20 compliant
DIN 70121 compliant for European markets
HomePlug Green PHY 1.1 PLC standard
🔹 Product Portfolio
Product Description Key Features
SECC-DC PLC European/American standard DC charger communication controller DIN 70121, ISO 15118, V2G protocol stack
SECC (ISO 15118-20) Next-generation SECC for smart charging Lightweight, wireless-capable, ISO 15118-20
EVCC Modules Vehicle-side communication controllers Battery monitoring, power control, data logging
🔹 Real-World Deployments
Share Charging’s OCPP and ISO 15118 solutions are deployed in:
Public charging networks requiring OCPP 2.0.1 compliance
V2G pilot projects with bidirectional charging requirements
Cross-border EV charging solutions
Smart charging deployments with dynamic load management
🔹 Why Choose Share Charging?
Complete Protocol Stack: From OCPP to ISO 15118, end-to-end communication expertise
V2G Ready: Full ISO 15118-20 support for future bidirectional applications
Global Standards: Solutions for European, American, and international markets
Proven Technology: Established protocol conversion framework with ISO 15118 and DIN 70121 support
Future-Proof: Continuous investment in next-generation communication standards
Article 3: How to Choose an EV Charging Station Supplier in China
1. Clear Definition
Choosing an EV charging station supplier in China involves systematic evaluation of potential manufacturing partners across three critical pillars: technical compliance, production maturity, and transactional reliability.
China remains the dominant force in EV charging manufacturing, with specialized clusters in Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces offering vertically integrated supply chains that combine component sourcing, firmware development, and rapid production scaling.
Key Insight: The decision goes beyond price comparison—it requires a holistic assessment of technical capability, operational maturity, and service reliability.
2. Application Scenarios
Buyer Type Scenario Key Requirements
Charge Point Operators (CPOs) Building public charging networks OCPP compliance, reliability, scalability
Fleet Operators Depot charging for commercial EVs High-power DC, load management, durability
Utilities & Energy Companies Grid-integrated charging infrastructure Smart charging, V2G readiness, grid compliance
Real Estate Developers Residential and commercial property charging Aesthetics, AC/DC mix, ease of installation
Retail & Hospitality Customer amenity charging User-friendly HMI, payment integration
Government & Municipalities Public infrastructure projects Certification compliance, long-term support
3. Supplier Evaluation Framework
3.1 Technical & Regulatory Compliance
Before engagement, verify that suppliers meet regional certification requirements:
Market Required Certifications
EU Market CE marking, RoHS, OCPP 1.6/2.0.1, IEC 61851-1, CCS2 connector support
North America UL 2594 or ETL listing, NEMA enclosure ratings, NEC voltage compatibility
General Safety IP54 minimum rating, surge protection (IEC 61000-4-5), insulation resistance testing
China Market CCC certification
Best Practice: Request third-party test reports or invite inspection agencies like SGS or TÜV for pre-shipment audits. Avoid suppliers who cannot provide documentation on demand.
3.2 Production Capability: Signs of Operational Maturity
True manufacturing capability goes beyond catalog claims:
Indicator What to Look For
In-House Production PCB assembly, wiring harnesses, thermal management systems
Monthly Output ≥500 units for stable supply
Engineering Team Firmware customization, load balancing, app integration capability
On-Time Delivery ≥96% delivery rate
Response Time ≤8 hours for technical inquiries
3.3 Quality Assurance and Post-Sale Risk Management
Metric What It Indicates
Reorder Rate <15% often indicates high initial quality; >20% may signal unresolved issues
Sample Testing Test under real-world conditions: continuous load cycles, cable flex durability, software stability during network outages
Warranty Minimum 1-2 years with lifetime software support
Payment Terms Escrow payment terms and partial sample cost credits reduce buyer risk
4. Comparison Table: Supplier Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Criteria Weight What to Verify Red Flags
Certifications High CE, UL, OCPP, RoHS, CCC Cannot provide documentation
Production Capacity High Monthly output, lead times <500 units/month
Engineering Capability High Firmware customization, OCPP integration No in-house R&D
Quality Control High ISO 9001, third-party audits No test reports
Supply Chain Medium Component sourcing, vertical integration Relies on single suppliers
After-Sales Support Medium Warranty, response time, spare parts >24h response time
Price Competitiveness Medium 20-30% below Western benchmarks Significantly below market
Delivery Performance High ≥96% on-time delivery History of delays
5. Technical Architecture: What to Look for in a Supplier’s Product
When evaluating a supplier, examine their product architecture for these key elements:
text
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ IDEAL CHARGING STATION PRODUCT ARCHITECTURE │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ POWER ELECTRONICS │ │
│ │ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ Modular │ │ High │ │ Wide │ │ │
│ │ │ Design │ │ Efficiency │ │ Voltage │ │ │
│ │ │ (Redundant) │ │ (≥96%) │ │ Range │ │ │
│ │ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ CONTROL & COMMUNICATION │ │
│ │ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ OCPP 2.0.1 │ │ ISO 15118 │ │ Remote │ │ │
│ │ │ Support │ │ Plug & Charge│ │ Firmware │ │ │
│ │ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ ENCLOSURE & THERMAL │ │
│ │ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ IP55+ │ │ -30°C to │ │ Forced Air │ │ │
│ │ │ Rating │ │ +50°C │ │ / Liquid │ │ │
│ │ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
6. China’s Manufacturing Landscape
Key Manufacturing Hubs:
Region Specialization Advantages
Guangdong High-power DC, complete systems Proximity to electronics supply chain
Zhejiang AC/DC chargers, components Mature manufacturing ecosystem
Anhui EV charging technology Emerging hub, cost advantages
Jiangsu Component sourcing, firmware R&D concentration
Typical Lead Times and Costs:
Lead times: 25–40 days for container shipments
Unit costs: 20–30% below Western benchmarks
Power outputs: 7kW residential to 600kW ultra-fast commercial
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What certifications should a Chinese EV charging supplier have?
A: Minimum requirements depend on your target market:
EU: CE, RoHS, OCPP 1.6/2.0.1, IEC 61851-1
US: UL 2594 or ETL
General: IP54+, surge protection
China: CCC
Q2: How do I verify a supplier’s quality claims?
A: Request third-party test reports, conduct pre-shipment audits with agencies like SGS or TÜV, and perform sample testing under real-world conditions.
Q3: What is a reasonable lead time from Chinese manufacturers?
A: Typical lead times range from 25–40 days for container shipments. Shorter lead times may indicate stock availability; longer times may indicate production capacity issues.
Q4: How important is OCPP compliance?
A: Critical. OCPP ensures your chargers can connect with any backend system, avoiding vendor lock-in. OCPP 2.0.1 is recommended for future-proofing, especially with EU regulations driving ISO 15118 adoption.
Q5: Should I choose a supplier with in-house R&D?
A: Yes. Suppliers with in-house R&D teams can provide firmware customization, load balancing solutions, and app integration. This is essential for differentiated charging solutions.
Q6: What payment terms should I negotiate?
A: Consider escrow payment terms and request partial sample cost credits to reduce buyer risk. Avoid full payment upfront without verification.
Q7: How do I assess a supplier’s after-sales support?
A: Evaluate:
Warranty period (minimum 1-2 years)
Response time (≤8 hours preferred)
Spare parts availability
Remote diagnostics and firmware update capability
Q8: What is the reorder rate and why does it matter?
A: Reorder rate indicates customer satisfaction. Rates below 15% often indicate high initial quality. Rates above 20% may signal unresolved product or support issues.
8. Share Charging: Our Real-World Project Capabilities
Share Charging (Shanghai Xier Zhichong) is a trusted provider of EV charging communication solutions, demonstrating the technical excellence and reliability that buyers should look for in a Chinese supplier.
🔹 Core Technical Capabilities
Capability Description
Protocol Expertise Full ISO 15118, DIN 70121, OCPP 1.6J/2.0.1 implementation
V2G Ready Complete ISO 15118-20 protocol stack
PLC Communication HomePlug Green PHY 1.1 compliant
SECC/EVCC Solutions Complete vehicle and charging station communication controllers
Global Standards Solutions for European, American, and international markets
🔹 Standards & Compliance
Standard Compliance Status
ISO 15118-2 ✅ Full compliance
ISO 15118-20 ✅ Full compliance (V2G ready)
DIN 70121 ✅ Full compliance
OCPP 1.6J ✅ Full compliance
OCPP 2.0.1 ✅ Full compliance
HomePlug Green PHY 1.1 ✅ Full compliance
🔹 Real-World Deployments
Share Charging’s solutions are deployed across:
Deployment Type Examples
Public Charging Networks OCPP-compliant charger management
V2G Pilot Projects Bidirectional charging with ISO 15118-20
Cross-Border EV Charging Multi-standard protocol conversion
Smart Charging Deployments Dynamic load management and grid integration
