The EV world is evolving, and so are the protocols running it cue OCPP, the universal language your EV chargers and Charge Point Management Systems (CPMS) use to gossip about your charging habits. OCPP 1.6 set the stage, but OCPP 2.0.1? That's where the fun really begins. Let’s break it down, and maybe toss in some sarcasm while we’re at it.


OCPP 1.6: The OG of Charging Protocols

OCPP 1.6 was all about making sure EV chargers and the CPMS could talk to each other like best friends—handling everything from error messages to keeping the juice flowing when the network’s down. It was the backbone of the early EV days, doing the heavy lifting while charging points quietly did their thing.


OCPP 2.0.1: The Bigger, Badder Upgrade

Fast forward to OCPP 2.0.1, and things get a lot cooler (and a bit more complex). Imagine upgrading from a flip phone to the latest iPhone:


- ISO 15118 and Plug & Charge: Your EV now does the talking. It plugs in and authorizes itself no app fumbling or cards are needed.

- Security Gets Beefed Up: With Transport Layer Security (TLS) and event alerts, hackers can take a hike.

 - Smart Charging: It’s like your charger took a class in electrical grid management optimizing charging speeds to avoid frying the grid.

- In-your-face Display Messaging: Need directions? Or maybe just some charger trivia? OCPP 2.0.1 lets you send messages right to the screen.

- Detailed Transaction Data: You want receipts? You’ll get them more data than you probably need.

- Device Management: Oh, and now it manages itself better too, with new options to handle the EVSE and device models.


 Backward Compatibility? Ha, Not This Time

OCPP 2.0.1 is a bit of a diva it doesn’t play nice with its predecessor, 1.6. So, if you’re running one, you’re stuck in that ecosystem.


 OCPP vs. OCPI: Not the Same

Where OCPP handles communication between chargers and their CPMS, OCPI comes in when different CPMS need to chat. Think of it as enabling roaming for EV drivers allowing them to seamlessly use various charging networks without needing 15 different accounts. Handy, right?


 chargeMOD and OCPP: Best Friends Forever  

chargeMOD’s platform is built on OCPP (and OCPI for roaming) connecting chargers and making sure everything flows. With recent updates to support parts of OCPP 2.0.1, chargeMOD is stepping into the future, offering enhanced features while still playing nicely with the trusty 1.6 version for now.


 What Does It All Mean?  

In a nutshell, the EV industry is stepping up its game with OCPP 2.0.1, and if you’re serious about running EV charging stations, you better keep up. Companies like chargeMOD are at the forefront, integrating these upgrades into their systems and setting the stage for more secure, efficient, and flexible EV charging networks. Stay tuned this is just the beginning.