OCPP & EV Charging Blog
Technical guides, protocol deep-dives, and best practices for OCPP, OCPI, smart charging, and EV infrastructure testing.
What is OCPP? The Complete Guide to Open Charge Point Protocol
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is the global standard for communication between EV chargers and management systems. Learn how OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1 work, why it matters, and how to test it.
What is OCPI? Open Charge Point Interface Explained
OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) is the protocol that enables EV charging roaming between networks. Learn how OCPI 2.1.1 and 2.2.1 work, the difference between OCPI and OCPP, and how CPOs and eMSPs use it.
OCPP 1.6 vs 2.0.1: Key Differences and Migration Guide
A detailed comparison of OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0.1 covering security, smart charging, device management, and ISO 15118 support. Includes a practical migration guide for CSMS developers.
What is a CSMS? Charging Station Management System Explained
A CSMS (Charging Station Management System) is the backend software that manages EV charging networks. Learn what a CSMS does, how it works with OCPP, and how to build and test one.
CPO vs eMSP: Understanding EV Charging Roles Explained
CPO (Charge Point Operator) and eMSP (e-Mobility Service Provider) are the two key roles in EV charging. Learn the differences, how they work together via OCPI, and examples of each.
Smart Charging Explained: How EV Load Management Works
Smart charging is the intelligent management of EV charging power based on grid conditions, energy prices, and driver needs. Learn how smart charging works with OCPP, load balancing strategies, peak shaving, V2G, and ISO 15118.
The Complete Guide to EV Charger Testing: Methods, Tools & Best Practices
EV charger testing ensures your CSMS and charging infrastructure work reliably at scale. Learn the key testing methods — functional, load, compliance, integration, and regression — plus best practices for virtual vs physical testing.
OCPP WebSocket Communication: A Developer's Guide
OCPP uses WebSocket for real-time communication between EV chargers and management systems. Learn about the connection lifecycle, OCPP JSON message format (CALL, CALLRESULT, CALLERROR), heartbeat, reconnection, security, and debugging.
GIREVE Hub Integration Guide: Connect Your Charging Network to Europe
GIREVE is Europe's largest EV charging roaming hub, connecting 400+ CPOs and eMSPs. Learn how to integrate with GIREVE via OCPI, the certification process, and how it compares to Hubject and e-clearing.net.
ISO 15118 & Plug and Charge: The Future of EV Charging Authentication
ISO 15118 enables Plug and Charge — automatic EV authentication without apps or RFID cards. Learn how it works, its relationship with OCPP 2.0.1, and how to test it.
EV Charging Glossary: 50+ Terms Every Developer Should Know
A comprehensive glossary of EV charging terminology covering OCPP, OCPI, CSMS, CPO, eMSP, smart charging, ISO 15118, and more. The definitive reference for EV charging developers.
Best CSMS Platforms in 2025: Open Source vs Commercial Compared
A comprehensive comparison of the best CSMS platforms in 2025, including open source options like SteVe, Open e-Mobility, and CitrineOS, and commercial platforms like ChargePoint, EVBox, Current, and Ampcontrol. Covers pricing, OCPP support, scalability, and how to choose the right one.
OCPP Error Codes: Complete Reference Guide for Developers
A complete reference guide to all OCPP error codes including NotImplemented, NotSupported, InternalError, ProtocolError, SecurityError, and more. Learn the CALLERROR message format, common causes for each error, troubleshooting steps, and debugging techniques.
How to Build a CSMS: Architecture Guide for EV Charging Platforms
A comprehensive architecture guide for building a CSMS (Charging Station Management System) from scratch. Covers WebSocket server design, OCPP message routing, authorization, transaction management, smart charging, OCPI integration, technology choices, and scaling strategies.
Introducing OCPPLab
Introducing OCPPLab, a comprehensive testing platform for EV charging infrastructure.
How to Test OCPP Protocols Effectively
A comprehensive guide to effective OCPP protocol testing and validation strategies.
Why Choose OCPP Emulation Over Physical Testing?
Exploring the compelling benefits of virtual OCPP testing versus traditional hardware-based approaches.