EV charging hardware and software: The importance of OCPP

Welcome to the Electric Era

We are now entering the Electric Era, a time marked by widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). In 2022 alone, 14% of all new cars sold were electric, up from around 9% in 2021 and less than 5% in 2020. According to the International Energy Agency, 2023 is expected to see even more growth in electric mobility. As this trend accelerates, the demand for EV charging stations is surging globally.

While many business owners are focused on selecting the right EV charging hardware, the software that powers these stations is often overlooked. However, choosing the right software is just as critical as picking the hardware, especially since EV charging stations represent a long-term investment. You want a setup that is both flexible and adaptable to meet your evolving needs.

Consider the Systems You Connect With

Many EV charging manufacturers prefer to tie their customers to their proprietary software. This approach makes sense from a business perspective, as it benefits both the manufacturer and the customer. After all, hardware and software designed to work together tend to perform optimally. However, while this may seem appealing in the short term, it can restrict your options in the long run.

Why OCPP Compliance Matters

This is where OCPP compliance becomes crucial. OCPP, or Open Charge Point Protocol, ensures that charging stations and software can communicate with each other, regardless of their origin. Whether you're dealing with hardware from one company and software from another, or vice versa, OCPP creates a bridge between them.

OCPP has become synonymous with interoperability in the EV charging industry. It allows charging station owners to choose from a wide range of software providers, ensuring that they find the best fit for their specific needs. For instance, a large retail store with a massive parking lot may require different software compared to an apartment complex or a small business with just a few charging spots.

"OCPP gives charging station owners the freedom to select from a growing list of software vendors," says Megha Lakhchaura, our policy director for EVBox North America. "This flexibility is vital because what works for one type of business may not work for another."

Moreover, OCPP empowers station owners to shop around for the best service and pricing. Network providers compete to offer attractive packages and features, ensuring that customers receive fair and competitive pricing. Knowing that customers have choices motivates providers to continuously enhance their offerings and maintain affordability.

Future-Proofing Your Investment

With OCPP, you gain the flexibility to switch software platforms without replacing your charging stations. Imagine owning an iPhone but wanting to change your wireless provider—simply swap out the SIM card. Similarly, OCPP allows you to keep your hardware while switching networks. This level of flexibility not only protects your initial investment but also encourages innovation among providers, as they strive to stay competitive.

"I need to make my hardware the best, I need to make my software the best, so my customer will stay with me," says Erdi Tugmaner, Head of Product Marketing at EVBox. "Being OCPP-compliant drives us to continuously improve our offerings."

EVBox and OCPP

At EVBox, we prioritize customer-focused flexibility in integrated solutions. All our charging stations are fully OCPP-compliant, giving you the freedom to choose the perfect hardware and software combination. OCPP ensures that your investment remains valuable over time.

Flexible Solutions Beyond OCPP

OCPP is just one example of the flexibility built into EVBox's offerings. Our charging stations are designed with accessibility in mind. Models like the EVBox Iqon, Troniq, Ultroniq, and Troniq Modular are user-friendly and cater to diverse users, including those with disabilities. Features such as wheelchair-accessible touchscreens, counterweighted cables, and multilingual instructions ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

For businesses, we offer custom branding options, allowing you to align our charging stations with your brand identity. Additionally, our extensive global partner network provides reliable support for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

The number of OCPP-compliant software networks compatible with EVBox continues to grow. Currently, over 65 networks are officially integrated, and we are committed to working with any provider that meets OCPP standards, even if they aren't yet listed.