OCPP 1.6 vs. OCPP 2.0: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is the backbone of interoperability in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry, enabling seamless communication between charging stations and central management systems (CSMS). While OCPP 1.6 laid the foundation for modern EV charging networks, OCPP 2.0 represents a significant leap forward, introducing advanced features to address the growing complexity of EV infrastructure.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0, highlighting how the latter supports scalability, advanced energy management, and enhanced security.

1. Device Management and Structure

OCPP 1.6:

• OCPP 1.6 defines connectors as independent charging outlets, each treated as a standalone unit.
• There is no explicit concept of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), limiting its ability to represent complex configurations like multi-connector stations.

OCPP 2.0:

• OCPP 2.0 introduces a hierarchical device model, defining EVSE as a logical unit capable of managing one charging session at a time, even if multiple connectors are available.
• This formalized structure improves scalability and enables operators to manage advanced setups like multi-connector EVSEs and satellite systems efficiently.

2. Smart Charging Capabilities

OCPP 1.6:

• Smart charging is limited to predefined charging profiles:
  • TxProfile: Specific to a single charging session.
  • TxDefaultProfile: Applies to all transactions on a connector.
  • ChargingStationMaxProfile: Sets an upper limit on the charging station’s total power consumption.
• Charging profiles in OCPP 1.6 are static and cannot adapt dynamically to real-time conditions, making it less flexible for complex energy management scenarios.

OCPP 2.0:

• Smart charging in OCPP 2.0 is more dynamic, allowing real-time updates to charging profiles based on factors such as grid conditions, energy prices, or vehicle schedules.
• Recurring Profiles: Enables daily or weekly schedules for predictable charging patterns.
• Supports integration with ISO 15118 for Plug & Charge and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionalities, providing bidirectional energy flow and automatic session initiation.

3. Message Handling and Communication

OCPP 1.6:

• Uses separate messages for related actions, such as StartTransaction, StopTransaction, and MeterValues.
• Message structures are simpler but less efficient for large-scale operations.

OCPP 2.0:

• Consolidates transaction-related messages into the unified TransactionEvent message, reducing redundancy and simplifying communication.
• Introduces new messages like GetCompositeSchedule for aggregating and visualizing energy needs across a charging station.
• Supports WebSocket compression for more efficient communication, particularly useful for high-traffic networks.

4. Enhanced Security

OCPP 1.6:

• Basic security measures include Transport Layer Security (TLS) for encrypted communication.
• Authentication is limited to username-password combinations, which can be vulnerable if not properly configured.

OCPP 2.0:

• Implements robust security profiles:
  • Security Profile 1: Basic unencrypted communication (not recommended).
  • Security Profile 2: Encrypted communication using TLS.
  • Security Profile 3: End-to-end encryption and mutual authentication using X.509 certificates.
• Introduces certificate management features for secure firmware updates and authentication, ensuring compliance with modern cybersecurity standards.

5. Firmware Management

OCPP 1.6:

• Supports remote firmware updates but lacks advanced monitoring and validation tools.

OCPP 2.0:

• Enhances firmware management with features like secure delivery via HTTPS and signature verification to prevent unauthorized installations.
• Includes detailed status updates through FirmwareStatusNotification, providing operators with real-time insights into the update process.

6. Backward Compatibility

OCPP 1.6:

• Compatible with earlier versions like OCPP 1.5, ensuring ease of transition for existing systems.

OCPP 2.0:

• Not backward compatible with OCPP 1.6 due to significant structural and functional changes. Migration requires updating both CSMS and charger firmware.

7. Use Cases and Scalability

OCPP 1.6:

• Suitable for smaller, less complex charging networks with basic operational needs.
• Limited support for advanced use cases like V2G or complex energy optimization.

OCPP 2.0:

• Designed for large-scale, modern EV networks with advanced requirements like fleet management, renewable energy integration, and demand response programs.
• Scalable for multi-connector EVSEs and capable of managing sophisticated energy use cases.

Conclusion

OCPP 1.6 provided a strong foundation for the EV charging industry, enabling interoperability and basic smart charging capabilities. However, as the industry grows and evolves, the limitations of OCPP 1.6 become evident. OCPP 2.0 addresses these challenges with a comprehensive set of features, including dynamic smart charging, enhanced security, and advanced device management.

For operators managing modern EV networks, upgrading to OCPP 2.0 is essential to future-proof infrastructure and leverage cutting-edge technologies like Plug & Charge, V2G, and dynamic energy management. While the transition requires investment, the benefits in scalability, efficiency, and sustainability make OCPP 2.0 the ideal choice for the next generation of EV charging infrastructure.

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