On October 20th, 2024, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) announced the approval of the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) as an International Standard IEC 63584. This breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of EV charging infrastructure, advancing global efforts to create a smarter, more sustainable, and seamless charging ecosystem.
The approval follows a rigorous evaluation by national committees over three months, culminating in the formal adoption of OCPP 2.0.1 Edition 3 (ed3) as IEC 63584. This landmark achievement addresses the industry's growing demand for standardized communication protocols, ensuring reliability and interoperability across EV charging networks worldwide.
Lonneke Driessen, CEO of the Open Charge Alliance (OCA), shared her excitement:
"We are incredibly proud that the IEC experts have recognized OCPP within the international standards framework. This accomplishment responds to a long-standing demand to formalize OCPP, and we look forward to further collaboration with IEC experts to accelerate the development of OCPP."
What is the IEC?
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that develops and publishes international standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. Since its founding in 1906, the IEC has played a vital role in promoting interoperability, safety, and innovation in sectors like energy, telecommunications, and transportation.
For the EV charging industry, IEC standards are crucial in creating consistent, reliable, and scalable infrastructure. By approving OCPP as IEC 63584, the IEC underscores its commitment to fostering global adoption of electric vehicles and building a sustainable transportation future.
What is IEC 63584?
IEC 63584 is an international standard that defines the communication protocol between EV charging stations and a Charging Station Management System (CSMS). It is based on OCPP 2.0.1 and provides a structured framework for ensuring compatibility and functionality across different charging technologies.
This protocol relies on JSON over WebSockets, making it widely accessible and easy to implement. The accompanying "Part 4 - JSON over WebSockets Implementation Guide" provides detailed specifications for developers, ensuring consistency across deployments.
OCPP 2.0.1: The Foundation of IEC 63584
OCPP 2.0.1, the backbone of IEC 63584, is a refined version of the original OCPP 2.0, addressing issues identified in earlier iterations. This version provides enhanced reliability, improved error handling, and greater flexibility for EV charging networks.
Software is crucial for monitoring chargers as it provides real-time data on charger status, usage, and performance, enabling efficient management and quick troubleshooting of EV chargers. It ensures seamless integration with networks, supports remote updates, and optimizes energy usage to enhance reliability and user experience.
Key Features of OCPP 2.0.1:
- Error Fixes: Resolves known issues, including schema updates, ensuring smoother operation across EV charging stations.
- Interoperability: Ensures seamless communication between charging hardware and software, preventing compatibility issues.
- Edition 3 Updates: Incorporates critical updates from previous editions, providing a robust framework for developers and operators.
The Open Charge Alliance recommends that stakeholders transition exclusively to OCPP 2.0.1, discontinuing earlier versions to ensure optimal performance and market consistency.
How IEC 63584 Accelerates EV Adoption
The adoption of IEC 63584 is a game-changer for the EV charging industry. Here’s how it supports the transition to electric vehicles:
1. Interoperability Across Charging Networks
By standardizing protocols, IEC 63584 ensures that EV drivers can access any charging station, regardless of the manufacturer or network. This interoperability eliminates confusion and enhances convenience, encouraging more consumers to switch to EVs.
2. Support for Diverse Charging Techniques
IEC 63584 accommodates slow, fast, and ultra-fast charging, making it adaptable to various use cases and environments. This versatility ensures that EV owners have reliable charging options, whether at home, in cities, or on highways.
3. Enhanced Reliability and User Experience
With a standardized protocol, IEC 63584 improves communication between EV charging stations and management systems, reducing errors and improving user satisfaction.
4. Streamlined Infrastructure Development
By offering clear guidelines, IEC 63584 simplifies the deployment of EV charging networks. This reduces development time and costs, accelerating infrastructure expansion.
5. Boosts Investment Confidence
The recognition of OCPP as an international standard signals maturity in the EV charging industry, encouraging investments in infrastructure projects aligned with global standards.
6. Fosters Collaboration and Innovation
IEC 63584 provides a common foundation for automakers, network operators, and developers, fostering innovation and collaboration within the EV charging ecosystem.
7. Supports Global Sustainability Goals
Standardizing protocols like OCPP under IEC 63584 is essential for achieving global sustainability goals. It facilitates the transition to EVs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable energy integration.
The Future of EV Charging with IEC 63584
With the approval of IEC 63584, the EV charging industry is poised for rapid growth and innovation. This standard addresses critical challenges like interoperability, reliability, and scalability, paving the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
As EV charging networks become more accessible and user-friendly, consumers and businesses alike will benefit from a unified, efficient infrastructure. This development brings the world closer to a future where sustainable transportation is not just possible but inevitable.
IEC 63584 will soon be available on the IEC website, serving as a critical resource for stakeholders in the EV charging ecosystem. By formalizing OCPP as an international standard, the IEC has taken a monumental step toward transforming the landscape of electric mobility.
With IEC 63584, the vision of a seamless and sustainable EV charging network is no longer a dream—it’s becoming a reality.
