Is OCPP 2 doomed?

27 Mar.,2025

The latest open charge point protocol, OCPP 2, has been under scrutiny due to its inability to meet expectations. We've delved into the limitations and potential solutions of the technology in our comprehensive analysis. Learn more about the challenges at hand.

 

Market News Report: OCPP 2 Under Scrutiny for Inability to Meet Expectations

 

The electric vehicle market has been rapidly growing in recent years, thanks to the increasing demand for eco-friendly transportation alternatives. However, with this growth comes challenges, particularly in the realm of infrastructure development. One crucial component of the EV infrastructure is the charging system, as it connects EVs to the power grid. In recent years, several open charge point protocols have been developed to guide the development and operation of EV charging stations. Among these is OCPP 2, which has been under scrutiny for its inability to meet expectations.

 

OCPP 2 is a communication protocol that enables EV charging station owners to manage the stations and exchange data with network operators. The protocol is designed to be open-source, meaning that it can be freely used, modified, and distributed by anyone. Its development was fuelled by the need for a standardized charging communication protocol that would allow different charging stations to communicate with each other seamlessly.

 

At first glance, OCPP 2 seems to be a game-changer for the EV industry. It has several advanced features, including over-the-air updates, dynamic load management, and real-time monitoring. However, several industry experts have raised concerns about the technology's limitations. Some of the challenges include:

 

1. Compatibility issues: OCPP 2 may not be compatible with existing charging infrastructure, especially older installations that use OCPP 1.6 or other protocols.

 

2. Reliability: Some industry professionals have reported instances where the protocol has malfunctioned, causing charging station failures or delays.

 

3. Interoperability: OCPP 2 may be incompatible with some backend systems, which can hinder its adoption by different charging network operators.

 

4. Complexity: OCPP 2 is a complex system that requires dedicated IT personnel to install, manage, and maintain.

 

Despite these challenges, OCPP 2 proponents argue that several potential solutions could address these issues. For instance, OCPP 2 could be made backward compatible with OCPP 1.6, making it easier for older charging infrastructure to communicate with newer stations. Additionally, more investment in cybersecurity measures could bolster OCPP 2's reliability. Finally, better integration between OCPP 2 and backend systems could improve interoperability.

 

While these solutions sound promising, they could take a while to materialize. In the meantime, it is essential to bear in mind that OCPP 2 is still in its early stages, and there is room for improvement. The EV industry is growing at a breakneck pace, and stakeholders must come up with solutions that can keep up with consumers' demands. For instance, some manufacturers are developing wireless charging solutions that eliminate the need for cables or plugs. Such innovations could significantly change the EV charging landscape, making charging more efficient and convenient.

 

In conclusion, OCPP 2 is a promising protocol that could revolutionize the EV charging infrastructure. However, its limitations have come under scrutiny, and stakeholders must work together to address these challenges. Significant investment is required to make OCPP 2 more reliable, compatible, and interoperable. Ultimately, the goal should be to develop a charging communication protocol that meets the current and future needs of EV owners and operators alike. The EV industry has enormous potential, and finding solutions to these challenges could unlock unimaginable possibilities.